MEADE – Joseph (Joe) Mertens, age 92, passed away early Sunday morning, June 2, 2019, at the Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Kansas.

He was born May 18, 1927, at rural Fowler, Kansas, the son of Theodore W. and Christina (Hageman) Mertens. As a young boy he attended school in Meade.  After his schooling, he joined the United States Army, serving from 1955-1957.  Upon his discharge, he returned to Meade County and began his career as a farmer and rancher.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the American Legion, served on the USD 226 Board of Education, the Graceland Cemetery Board, the Meade County Fair Board, the Meade County Historical Museum Board, and was a volunteer for the Beam Senior Center.  He enjoyed sports including football, working with horses, and spending time with his family and friends.

On August 7, 1954, he married Virginia Mae Drietz at Liberal, Kansas.  She precedes him in death on April 18, 1991.

He is survived by a son, Thomas Mertens (Shelly) of Sterling, Colorado; two daughters, Nancy Barragree (Jerry) of Derby, Kansas, and Michelle McClaren (Doug) of rural Fowler, Kansas; a sister, Evelyn Eakes of Dodge City, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Lance Mertens, Laura Whisler, Bryce McClaren, Jason McClaren, Matthew McClaren, Anthony Barragree, and Stephanie Requena; and seven great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife; a special companion, Dorothy Barritt; parents; two brothers, Charles Mertens and Wilford Mertens; and two sisters, Carol Strader and Emma Macorowski.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Meade.  Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019, at the church.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.  Interment will follow the service in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the Meade County Fair or the Beam Senior Center in care of the funeral home.