ATHENS, IL – Morris W. Behl, 76, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Memorial Medical Center.

He was born December 15, 1942, to Arthur and Iona (Wilner) Behl. He married Verna Nordmann on July 9, 1980.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; daughter, Dana Homer; six brothers and five sisters.

Morris was a farmer. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. He enjoyed woodworking and loved walking.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Behl, Art (Carrie) Behl and Ken (Amy) Behl; stepchildren, Connie (John) Dickerson, Danny (Florence) Ritz, David Ritz, Mike Ritz, and Roger (Tina) Ritz; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Larry; sisters, Betty and Dorothy; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019, at New Hope Baptist Church in Petersburg, with Pastor Jim Augenstein officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: New Hope Baptist Church or American Cancer Society.