William Mervin "Merv" Flanders, 85, died July 21, 2007, at Hospice House.

He was born Sept. 4, 1921, in Hoisington, the son of Milo and Nannie Becker Flanders. He graduated in 1939, from Stafford High School. He worked for D.G. Calhouns, Inc., for 40 years, retiring as vice president in 1984.

He belonged to Countryside Baptist Church, and was involved in various church activities including the Elder Statesmen Quartet.

On April 25, 1948, he married Bernice Louise Kent in Stafford. She survives.

Other survivors include: their children and spouses, Rita and Vern Kelsey, Jefferson City, Mo., Debbi and Bob Williams, Hutchinson, and Brad and Tangela Flanders, Wentzville, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cleo and Albert Flanders; three sisters, Ethel Haddon, Pearl Harris and Ruby Craine; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Countryside Baptist Church, 819 West 30th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Destry M. Cowell presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Stafford Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Countryside Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.