Merril F. Durr, 86, died Nov. 24, 2011, at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers. Merril was born May 17, 1925, in Bushton, Kan., the son of Floyd and Esther Boldt Durr. He was a 1943 graduate of Ransom High School and then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He received his B.S. in 1950 and his Masters in 1954 from Fort Hays State University.
Merril married Vera E. Cathcart Aug. 1, 1948, in Oberlin, Kan. He was a retired teacher, school administrator and commodities broker. They lived in Ulysses from 1950-84, Palco from 1984-88 and then moved to Hutchinson. He was a member of the Lyle Rishel American Legion Post #68, TKE Fraternity, Kansas Association of School Administrators, the Lions Club and the Grant County Teachers Association.

Survivors include: his wife; two sons, Philip M. of McPherson, Steven C. and his wife Teri of Enid, Okla.; three grandchildren, Kelsey Heavin and husband J. Scott, Steven S. Durr and Zeke Durr and wife Tiffany; and two great-granddaughters, Karly and Chevy Durr. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Delbert; sister, Dorothy Durr Fabrizius; and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Durr.

Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, with Reverend Jim Rhaesa officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Private family graveside service will be held at the McPherson City Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may sign the book Sunday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County or the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Towers, in care of the mortuary.