Merrill Rose-Benton, IL

Merrill Gene Rose, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 4:55 p.m. 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. He worked at Freeman United Coal Company Mine #6 of Waltonville, Illinois. He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mr. Rose was also a member of Rend Lake Lodge #64, Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Temple of the Shrine.

Before it’s closing, he and Diane attended Parrish Baptist Church.

Merrill enjoyed attending car shows, fishing, going to auctions, and hanging out in his garage visiting with friends.

Surviving are two sons: John Rose and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Ron Rose and wife Lisa of Benton, IL; his life companion of 22 years Diane LeFever of Benton, IL; grandchildren including: Amanda Gates and husband Justin of Benton, IL, James Paul Rose and companion Alyssa Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL, Scott Rose and wife Rebecca of Bolivar, MO, Nicholas Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Alyvia Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Sophia Kendrick of Benton, IL; 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 husband Eddie of Benton, IL, a nephew Gary Rose and 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, two nephews: Bobby Rose and James Rose.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Howard Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Merrill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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