Mervin Dale "Boney" Bonesteel

Mervin Dale "Boney" Bonesteel, 89, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 27, 2022, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. He was born on February 7, 1933, in Robinson, the son of Virgil & Alice (Ralston) Bonesteel, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Carolyn "Kernie" Metheny on May 20, 1955, and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lola Rich, and his great-granddaughter, Isabella "Bella" Parker.

He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Debi & Danny Parker (Robinson, IL); his sons & daughters-in-law, Brad & Sandy Bonesteel (Robinson, IL) and Tim & Jennifer Bonesteel (Bargersville, IN); six grandchildren, Jason & Lindi Bonesteel, Connor & Jocelyn Bonesteel, Amanda & Chris Bustetter, Christopher Parker, Samantha Parker, and Braeden Bonesteel; seven great-grandchildren; his brother & sister-in-law, Larry & Kate Bonesteel (Greencastle, IN); two sisters-in-law, Norma "Neen" Brown and Jackie Lyons; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Merv grew up in the Robinson area and was raised on a farm, instilling in him a work ethic that would serve him well for the rest of his 89 years. A 1951 graduate of Robinson High School, he would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. A B-29 flight mechanic, his four years in the service found him stationed in both Africa and Saudi Arabia. Back home, this proud veteran eventually joined the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549 and the Robinson American Legion Post #69. He was also a member of the Duncanville Baptist Church, the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188, the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, as well as the Danville Consistory.

Though he was employed at McDonnell Douglas briefly after his honorable discharge in 1956, Merv came back home to work for Marathon as a truck driver in 1958. By the time he retired in 1990 after 32 years with the company, he had made his way into the barrel house, making many friends in the process. In fact, Merv's warm and sociable nature led him to get to know so many people. He made many dear friends bowling, a sport he enjoyed for most of his adult life. He also spent quite a bit of time out on the golf course and enjoyed fishing when he was younger. Though he knew how to kick up his heels from time to time, most of his retirement was spent out on his farm or driving a dump truck for Larry Holt. In other words, the man couldn't sit still!

Merv was a hard worker, a good friend, and a man who loved his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Those who knew him loved him, and those who loved him will remember a life lived with humor, excellence, and a selflessness of spirit that enabled this dear man to take up his country's call in the name of liberty and justice for all. Mervin Bonesteel represented the very best of who we are as people, and his memory beckons us to follow in his footsteps. "44 over"

It was Mervin's wish to be cremated without public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. Memorials may be made to either the "Arthritis Foundation" or to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital", with envelopes available at the funeral home.