Merle E. Rose, 86, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at Grand Plains Skilled Nursing. He was born on June 7, 1938 in Pratt to Harlie and Ruby Jo (Ricks) Rose. Merle married Beth Irene (Wehling) Rose on November 26, 1960 in Isabel. They were married for 63 years.
Merle graduated from Cullison High School in 1957. After attending Pratt Community College for 1 year, he went on to Automotive School in Kansas City. He was drafted into the United States Army and served at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. He worked as a mechanic and farmer. He was a member of Cullison United Methodist Church until closing and then Pratt First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #1451 and American Legion Post-Isabel. Merle served his community as a member of the Soil Conservation Board and Farm Bureau Board, Cullison Methodist Church Trustee Chair and Township #9 Treasurer. He enjoyed farming, traveling, going on a drive and hunting, especially with his brother, Floyd in the Rocky Mountains. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Leigh Ann (Doug) Eubank of Kearney, Missouri; son, Shane (Sheri) Rose of Pratt; grandchildren, Mallory (Jordan) Gonzalez of Liberty, Missouri, Cole (Catherine) Eubank of New Bloomfield, Missouri, Zackary (Maddi) Rose of Meade and Mackenzie (Walker) Schrag of Derby; eight great-grandchildren with another on the way; sister in-law, Phyllis Wehling of Hutchinson; and numerous, nieces and nephews.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd Rose; and great-granddaughter, Violet Jayde Rose.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 3-5 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 30, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, Pratt. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt.
Memorials may be made to Pratt Area Humane Society in honor of his constant companion, Tipper or Donor's Choice in care of Larrison Mortuary.