Merlin Clayton Bowles, 88, died Dec. 29, 2014, at Sunshine Meadows Nursing Home, Buhler. He was born July 23, 1926, in Walnut Bend, Texas, to Nathon Orlando and Della Mae Arrington Bowles. He was a World War II veteran. He retired as a general superintendent for Borton Inc. and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Doers Sunday School Class, Horseless Carriage Car Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68.

On Nov. 24, 1948, he married Gloria Ann Riggs in Offerle. She died Feb. 6, 2005.

Survivors include: daughters, Merlinda Herrmann and husband Jon, Grove, Okla., and Debra Lippoldt, Wichita; brother, M.D. Bowles, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, William Lippoldt, and a grandson, Chad Herrmann.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday Jan. 17, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Jim Rhaesa presiding. Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Offerle, at a later date. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation of the Heartland, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Ks 67501. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal condolence for Merlin's Family.