Carl E. Mescher, 99, of Metropolis, IL passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at his home on the family farm where he was born on August 12, 1920.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Tues, January 21, 2020 at St. John's Church at 6201 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL, with Reverend Jeff Bremer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites.

Carl was a World War II Navy veteran serving on the battleship USS Pennsylvania during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He worked heroically to put out the fires caused by the bombing raids.

He was a radioman in the OS2U3 Kingfisher seaplane and was awarded the Air Medal for courageous action in the Pacific theatre at Makin, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok Atolla. The commendation recognized his "skillful performance of duty in establishing and maintaining excellent communications between his plane and parent ship while braving heavy antiaircraft fire and extremely hazardous flying conditions." He finished his military service testing radio navigation equipment in PBY Catalina seaplanes at Banana River Naval Station. He rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

After his military service, 1940 to 1946, Mr. Mescher operated Soil Services, a local fertilizer store, until his retirement in 1982. He continued to farm and raise cattle until his health no longer allowed it. He was a member of St. John's Church and the American Legion Post 306.

Carl is survived by several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Clara (Moller) Mescher and five brothers, Omer, Amos, Loyd, Troy and Otis Mescher.

Visitation will be held from 11 am until the funeral at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at St. John's Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John's Church Cemetery Fund, St. John's Church, 6201 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL, 62960.

Arrangements are entrusted to Miller-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

Pallbearers: Bill Fitch, Mark Fitch, David Busclas, Donald Bunting, Carl Stewart, and David Bartimus

Honorary Bearers: Alan Schaffer and Reuben Bremer