Merril Michael Loyet, age 88, formerly of Highland, Ill., born August 17, 1930 in Troy, Ill., died Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Merril was a 55-year carpenter with United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and a life member of VFW Post 805. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He had a great love for horses, camping, fishing and family. He enjoyed building things from houses to clocks or wagons for his horses. He was a loyal friend and a devoted father.

He was preceded in death by his wife Grace, nee Stephens, Loyet, who died November 5, 2017; his parents Jerome and Hilda, nee Kapp, Loyet; sister Lois Carson; daughter Candace Patton; and grandson Deron Patton.

Surviving are his three sons, Craig Wilson, Steven Loyet and Todd Loyet; four daughters, Deborah Janik, Denise Keller, Janet Libell and Susan Williams; brothers Russel Loyet, Glenn Loyet, Mike Loyet, and sister Mary Wondolowski; 23 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Memorial donations are suggested to VFW Post 805 in O'Fallon, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Funeral: 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the funeral home with Pastor Darryl Bolen officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Ill.