Michael J. Merlie, 63, of Danville, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.

He was born July 18, 1949, in Danville to Donald and Eleanor (Dowiatt) Merlie.

He married Nancy J. Fadale on June 17, 1972, in Westville. She survives.

Michael was a 1967 graduate of Westville High School and went on to earn his undergraduate at the University of Illinois before attending law school at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He then ran Merlie Law Office, which he began with his father. He was a member of the Vermilion County Bar Association, State of Illinois Bar Association and was the former attorney for the Village of Westville.

Michael was an avid golfer at Turtle Run and loved to read.

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Also surviving are two sons, Tony (Katie) Merlie of Indianapolis and Jim (Tina) Merlie, also of Indianapolis; parents, Don and Eleanor Merlie of Westville; three sisters, Melissa Merli of Urbana, Carol (Mike) Hatfield of Champaign, and Patty Merlie of Leawood, Kan.; three grandsons, Kyle, Joe and Max Merlie; four nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Services have been held. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Please join Michael’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.