Woodley, Merlin B. 1915-2004

WOODLEY, ANDERSON, SIMMONS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/7/2014 at 18:18:24

Note: Mother's maiden name was Simmons.

AKRON, Iowa -- Merlin B. Woodley, 89, of Akron passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004, at Akron Care Center.

Memorial services were held Monday, Sept. 27, at First Baptist Church in Akron, where the Rev. Damon Green officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Mauer-Johnson-Earnest Funeral Home.

Merlin Burdette Woodley was born April 30, 1915, the son of Fannie and David Woodley. He was one of four boys and seven girls. He was raised and educated near Merrill, Iowa. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed with the Alaska Aleutian Islands Surveillance Unit and later was selected as one of President Franklin Roosevelt's security guards at his home in Hyde Park, N.Y.

Following the war, he moved to Akron, where he met Helen Anderson. The couple was united in marriage in 1947. He was employed as a carpenter with his father-in-law, Victor Anderson, a well known professional in the Akron and rural South Dakota region.

In 1950, he was appointed the general manager of the Farmers Co-op of Akron after working for a time in the Co-op lumber department. The co-op grain, feed and building supply business grew nicely and the giant grain elevator that towers over Akron (initiated by him) was constructed under his management. He also arranged for the giant star on the top that welcomes you into Akron. His success as the Farmers Co-op manager, more than 12 years, was especially noteworthy since he had little formal education or prior management experience. He was able to rapidly learn the grain and lumber business. He acknowledged that his wife, Helen (the co-op bookkeeper) was very important to his learning and success in the co-op business.

In 1962, the couple moved from Akron and he completed his full-time working career with Grand Avenue Lumber and Supply in Phoenix, Ariz., where he retired. They returned to Akron in 2001.

One of his special talents and most enjoyable activities throughout his life was designing and crafting fine furniture. His knack and skills were truly unique. Many of his crafted pieces are treasured in the family's homes.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Helen Viola (Anderson) Woodley of Akron; a daughter and her husband, Patsy and Ken Bedes of San Pedro, Calif.; a son and his wife, Jerome and Peggy Adams of Kirkwood, Mo.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beverly Livinggood and Joyce Lanagan, both of Sioux City; and a brother, Chester "Chick" Anderson of North Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters; and two brothers.

Sioux City Journal
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sioux City, Iowa