GRAY, Merlyn Leroy 1918-2015

GRAY, LEICHTMAN, MOEHLE

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 8/13/2016 at 17:52:39

Obituary for Merlyn L. Gray

Merlyn L. Gray, age 97 of New Hampton, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, Iowa.

Funeral services for Merlyn will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastors Kevin Frey officiating. Burial will be held at New Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, November 27, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral services on Saturday. Online condolences for Merlyn’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Merlyn LeRoy Gray was born on August 22, 1918 to John and Edna (Leichtman) Gray in New Hampton. He attended country school District #11 in Jacksonville Township. After his schooling, Merlyn continued working on the family farm until he entered into the United States Army where he served his country as a medic in northern Africa then moving to the European front from 1942-1945.

During Merlyn’s time in service he was awarded several medals including three bronze stars recognizing his bravery and commitment to his country. He returned home to the family farm where he began his lifetime love of agriculture.

It was on June 17, 1951, Merlyn was united in marriage to his loving wife, Edna Mae Moehle at St. John’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Sumner, IA. The couple made their home outside of New Hampton where they began farming together and raised their five children and continued farming for the next 64 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Away from farming, Merlyn enjoyed gardening, boxing, fishing, playing cards, harvesting black walnuts and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edna Gray of New Hampton; his children, Judy (Kenny) McEwen of Lake City, Minnesota, Wayne (Shelly) Gray of New Hampton, LeRoy (Roxanne) Gray of New Hampton, Darvin Gray of New Hampton, Lois (Karen) Gray of Coralville, Iowa; his ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Harold Gray of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister, Gladys Lechtenberg of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ellsworth Gray.

Source: Conway-Markham Funeral home