Herbert Merson

Herbert L. Merson, 85, of Zion, died on Friday, October 29, 2010 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Herbert was born September 26, 1925 to Herbert Eugene and Clara Estelle Merson in Sandy Spring, Maryland. He retired in 1968 from the United States Navy after 23 years and has lived in Zion since that time. While in the Navy he served during WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Bay of Pigs, and he was on the maiden voyage of the submarine USS Nautilus. Following retirement from active service he served in the Navy Reserve for another six years. Herbert was also a 50 year member of Fleet Reserve. After retiring from the Navy he worked as a truck driver, he also served on the police departments of both Glenview and Great Lakes, and more recently worked in security for Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion. He was a member of Christ Community Church of Zion. Herbert was a member of Waukegan Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M. and belonged to the Shriner's Motor Patrol. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters at home, Hailey and Faith; three sons, Kenneth (Mona) Merson of Valier, Illinois, Bernard Merson of Waukegan and Robert Merson of Washington State; three step-children, Frank (Margie) Agnew of Beach Park, John (Cheryl) Agnew of Zion, and Carol (Steve) Cosby of Coal City, Illinois; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Agnes; one step-daughter, June May Slight Percy; two grandsons, David Percy and James Merson; and one brother, James. Visitation will be Friday, November 5, 2010, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, where Masonic Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6th, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Interment with Navy honors will follow at Ft. Sheridan Post Cemetery, Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Christ Community Church for missions has been suggested.