Merle D. Hackney, age 82, passed away at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center on February 16, 2023 surrounded by loving family members. He was born in 1941 to Ray and Evelyn Hackney in Newton, Kansas. The family later lived in Missouri before returning to Newton, where Merle graduated from Newton High School in 1959.
After serving in the United States Navy at the US Naval Air Station in Seattle, Washington, Merle returned to Newton. In 1971, he married Barbara Stone. In his career as a machinist, he worked at Hesston Corporation, Keyes Manufacturing, and BMG of Kansas.
Merle will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who supported his loved ones’ aspirations and celebrated their accomplishments. As a longtime league bowler, he loved sharing his enjoyment of bowling with his grandchildren. He was also an active hobbyist with a talent for woodworking and woodcarving, a keen reader who especially enjoyed Western fiction and history, and a devoted fan of the Chiefs and the Royals (and every Kansas school attended by his grandchildren). He supported the youth in the community by providing handmade rolling pins to the Harvey County Fair Champion 4-H pie bakers.
Merle is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughters Meagan (Clark) Baldwin of Newton and Nancy Hackney of Maize; his grandchildren Jenna Baldwin and Callan Baldwin of Newton and Joseph Aharoni of Las Vegas, Nevada; his brothers Galeard (Ilene) Hackney and Donald Hackney, both of Newton; his sister Carol (Roger) Blair of Newton, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Evelyn Hackney, and his brother Terry (Laurie) Hackney.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, Kansas 67117.