LeRoy F. Merkel, 87, of Robinson, passed away Friday morning, April 22, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

He was born September 28, 1928, near Everest, one of three children born to Frank and Edna Craige Merkel and was a lifelong Everest-Robinson area.  He attended country grade school near Everest and high school at Robinson.  LeRoy served in the Kansas Army National Guard, 2nd BN, 130th FA, of Hiawatha, during the 1950’s, discharged at the rank of sergeant.

Mr. Merkel was a lifetime member of Upper Wolf Lutheran Church of rural Robinson.  He was a charter member of the Robinson Lions Club, receiving his 55 year pin in April 2015.  He played many characters in the Lions Club annual Melodrama.  He always looked forward to that and had so much fun doing so.  He also held and served many offices throughout the years in the Club.

The last few years during the summer months, you would see LeRoy cruising the streets of Robinson in his golf cart, a gift from his children.  This brought him much enjoyment visiting with friends and neighbors.

LeRoy married Charlene Bauman, March 25, 1951, at Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, southeast of Robinson.  Their entire married life of 65 years was spent in the Robinson community where he farmed and raised livestock before retiring and moving to town.  Charlene survives of the home.

Also surviving are a son Gary Merkel (Virginia) of Robinson; a daughter Carol Van Dyke (Jeffrey) of Plainville, KS; grandchildren:  Kelly and Mark Perrier of Wichita, Jill & Chris Malkerson of Minneapolis, MN, Clinton & Leah Merkel of Lansing, Matthew Van Dyke of Plainville; great-grandchildren:  Lauren Perrier, Leo Malkerson, and Drew Perrier; a sister Maxine Bauman (Kenneth) of Sabetha; and several nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Thelma Morrison.

A Celebration of LeRoy’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Interim Pastor Steve Evans, of Upper Wolf/Zion Lutheran Church will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday where the family will visit from 2 until 4 that afternoon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the LeRoy Merkel Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.  A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com