MEADE – Farran Dean Merkle, age 85, passed away Monday morning, January 23, 2017, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

He was born September 24, 1931, at Dodge City, Kansas, the son of George and Edna Catherine (McBee) Merkle.

He served his country in the Army from 1951 until 1953.

On May 4, 1957, he married Glenda Ptaschek in Ellis, Kansas.

He was a lifelong farmer and rancher in Meade County. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and in his later years he enjoyed traveling by RV. He served on the Fowler Equity Board, Fowler Christian Church Board and the Crooked Creek Township Board.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; sons, Brian and wife Karen of Anchorage, Alaska, Brent and wife Becky of Meade, Kansas; daughter, Barbara Parker and husband Bob of Meade, Kansas; three grandchildren,

He was preceded in death by a brother, Owen Merkle.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at the First Christian Church, Fowler. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Burial will follow the service at the Fowler Cemetery.

The family would welcome memorials to the First Christian Church of Fowler in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com