Dieterich, IL-(Effingham Radio)- State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) announced that a dedication ceremony was held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Brocton to honor the life and service of the late Merritt Roger “Buzz” Busby. Senate Joint Resolution 17, passed in 2024 during the 103rd General Assembly and co-sponsored by Rep. Niemerg in the House, formally established the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway as a tribute to Busby’s dedication to his community and his country.
“A stretch of Illinois Route 49 now carries the name of a beloved community leader and is named the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway,” said Rep. Niemerg. “I was happy to sponsor the legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives with Rep. Chris Miller last year and am pleased to recognize a man who left an indelible mark on his community.”
Roger “Buzz” Busby, a U.S. Army veteran, was known for his decades of service in law enforcement and child welfare. He worked as a deputy sheriff and later served with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, focusing on protecting children and families in need. Widely regarded as “Mr. Edgar County,” Busby was also deeply involved in numerous civic organizations and was a respected figure throughout the region. Mr. Busby passed away in 2013.
Niemerg points out that the ceremony took place on Saturday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion & Auxiliary – Richard Willoughby Post 977 in Brocton. Rep. Niemerg’s legislative assistant, Linda Lane, made a few remarks on his behalf. Some of the other speakers included, Terry Hackett, a retired member of the Illinois State Police, as well as David Neal and Ed Motley, both retired members of the Edgar County Seriff’s Department.
The section of highway being renamed stretches 10 miles from U.S. Route 36 to Illinois Route 133, running on the west side of Mr. Busby’s hometown of Brocton. It was designated in honor of Busby’s lifetime of service to the people of Edgar County.
Merritt Roger “Buzz” Busby was born October 21, 1940 in Danville, IL to Edwin and Nora (Glick) Busby. He married Karon Platson Cornwell on October 31, 1992 at the Brocton Christian Church. Buzz Busby went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 30, 2013 at his home.
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