Wendell Merry, 76, of Urbana passed away at 7:20 a.m., Friday, March 1, 2013 at his home. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Renner Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday following the visitation at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Tim Barber will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Urbana American Legion Post #71

Mr. Merry was born March 21, 1936 in Champaign, Illinois to parents Leslie and Eliza (Davis) Merry. He married Luella Pracht December 21, 1963 at Webber Street Church in Urbana; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters Robin Merry, of Urbana, and Laura Merry, of Lebanon, New Hampshire. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Using his electrical skills acquired in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, Wendell began work as an electrician for the IBEW Local 601. He worked there for more than thirty years before retiring.

Mr. Merry was a member of the Second Wind Running Club for twenty years and still volunteered for races periodically. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV to Florida, where they spent time with friends in the Mouseketeer Camping Club at Walt Disney World.

Many locals may remember Wendell as the "Black Light Santa" off Candlestick Lane. His family and friends describe him as a grumpy old man with a very soft center and a great sense of humor. Wendell deeply loved and cherished his family and friends, and would do anything for them. He was a talkative, friendly, kind, creative, and generous man who will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wendell's honor to the Provena Hospice Program or the Urbana American Legion Post #71.