BENTON – Merrill Gene Rose, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 4:55 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home.
Merrill was born on February 9, 1941, in Benton, Illinois, the son of James Paul Rose and Lela (Wilson) Rose. He was a retired coal miner, having worked at Freeman United Coal Company Mine #6 in Waltonville, Illinois. He was also a member of the U.M.W.A.
Mr. Rose was a member of Rend Lake Lodge #64, Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Temple of the Shrine.
Before its closing, he and Diane attended Parrish Baptist Church.
Merrill enjoyed attending car shows, fishing, going to auctions, and spending time in his garage visiting with friends.
Surviving are two sons: John Rose and his wife Judy of Benton, IL and Ron Rose and his wife Lisa of Benton, IL; his life companion of 22 years, Diane LeFever of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Amanda Gates and her husband Justin of Benton, IL, James Paul Rose and his companion Alyssa Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL, Scott Rose and his wife Rebecca of Bolivar, MO, Nicholas Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Alyvia Scro of West Frankfort, IL, and Sophia Kendrick of Benton, IL. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Eli Hill, Samuel Gates, Jackson Rose, Lillith Rose, Owen Stapp, Bentley Scro, Myles Little, and Jackson Little; a sister-in-law, Judy Rose of Benton, IL; a niece, Laura Richardson and her husband Eddie of Benton, IL; and a nephew, Gary Rose and his wife Rhonda of Peoria, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Curtis Rose and Paul Wayne Rose; a great-grandson, Cordell Michael Ray Rose; and two nephews: Bobby Rose and James Rose.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Howard Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To express condolences online or to share memories of Merrill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.