PERRYVILLE -- Merlin P. "Joe" Esselman, 72, of Perryville, died Monday, Aug. 28, 1995, at his home.

He was born July 23, 1923, at McBride, son of Louis P. and Lillian J. Anderson Esselman. He and Betty Jean Mayer were married Oct. 20, 1945.

Esselman was retired from Emerson Electric in St. Louis. He was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, American Legion Booster Post 133, and Third Degree knight with KC Council 1263.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Merlin Esselman of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Scott Esselman of Perryville; three daughters, Sandra Vigna of Belleville, Ill., Margo Bova of Fairview Heights, Ill., Roxann Allen of Perryville; four brothers, George Esselman of Fort Worth, Texas, Chalmer Esselman of Owensville, Clinton "Buster" Esselman of Perryville, Donald Esselman of Chester, Ill.; a sister, Norma Blandford of Perryville; eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:30-9:45 a.m. The parish wake will be Wednesday at 7.

Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Vincent's Church, with the Rev. Kevin Fausz officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.