Samuel Mervin Blythe, 23 Dec 1930 - 28 Jun 2022

BLYTHE, KIRKPATRICK, GRIFFITH, GENT, BUTLER, PANTIER, REES, CANBY

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 7/7/2022 at 15:04:26

Samuel Mervin Blythe was born in York, Nebraska on December 23, 1930 to Samuel David and Agnes Mary Kirkpatrick Blythe. Mervin attended Williamsburg Public School all 12 years, graduating in 1948.

He attended Iowa State University in Ames. He returned home to farm full time. Mervin was drafted into the United States Army on February 19, 1952. He received his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky by the Third Armored Division. He served in Korea for 16 months during the Korean War in the Co B 740th Ordnance Corps. Mervin obtained the rank of Sergeant. He received the Korean service Medal, W/3 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. In September 2015, he was privileged to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. accompanied by his son, Doug.

Mervin married Betty Lou Griffith on September 17, 1961 in the Salem Welsh Presbyterian Church south of Cotter in Louisa County, Iowa. Since then they have lived on their family farm south of Williamsburg. He enjoyed farming his entire life and was able to farm with his son for 37 years. He was blessed to still operate the combine for his last harvest during the fall of 2021. Mervin and Betty belonged to the Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg where Mervin served as a Deacon and Elder. Mervin and Betty spent many winters in their home at Bentsen Grove Resort in Mission, Texas surrounded by many wonderful friends and their friends’ dogs.

Mervin passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022 at the Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 91 years. Left to survive is his son, Douglas (Michelle) Blythe of Williamsburg and their children, Hayley (Kendall) Gent and Bryson from Chicago and Brandon of Ames. Donna (Jim) Butler, their children Sam, all of Champaign, IL, Danielle (Scott) Pantier of Mansfield, IL and Kaitlyn of Knoxville, TN. Mindi (Tyler) Rees and their children-Allison, Bailey and Blaine, all of Washington, IA. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Canby, niece, nephews, and several cousins. Mervin was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years.

Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg with military rites. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg.

A memorial fund has been established for Highland Ridge or Essence of Life Hospice. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Hometown Current on July 6, 2022.