Merle Lynn McGinnis, 69, of Mahomet, passed away on June 15, 2012 at Kirby Medical Center, Monticello. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2012, at the Croninger Cemetery, Cisco. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello is handling the arrangements. Merle was born on December 14, 1942 in Cisco, IL, the son of William Dwain and Ruby Opal (Boyer) McGinnis. He married Shirley Golden on August 16, 1975 in Champaign, IL. Surviving are his wife; Shirley McGinnis of Mahomet, stepchildren; Kenneth (Lori) Baker of Decatur, Melody (Monte) Lenahan of Madison, N.C., and Edith (Bill) Cunningham of Decatur, mother; Ruby Opal Boyer McGinnis Danison of Cisco, 7 step-grandchildren, 9 step-great grandchildren, brother; Dwain (Lucy) McGinnis of Champaign and sister; Patricia Zaloudek of Champaign. He was preceded in death by his father, 1 stepson (Terry Baker) and 1 sister (Norma Jean Burton). Merle was a building service worker at the University of Illinois and he served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed spending time with his family, collecting eagles, playing cards, reading, feeding birds and watering wildlife that came into the yard, and was an avid Cubs fan. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vasireddy and Carle Hospice for the great care during this time. Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society or an organization of the donors choice.