Merril Vern Mayo (1939-2026)

Merril 'Vern' Mayo, 86, of Fowler, Kansas, died in Red River, New Mexico on Friday,  February 6, 2026.

He was born September 7, 1939 as the 6th out of 7 children to Gene and Bertha MacArthur-Mayo on the farm north of Forgan, Oklahoma. Vern spent all 12 school years at Forgan, graduating from Forgan High School in 1957. Vern always loved sports and played 6-man football and basketball. He spent 2 years in the Army from 1958-1960 and was stationed in Germany. After returning home from the Army, he attended college in Wilburton, Oklahoma and later earned his bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma in 1968.

Vern taught and coached at several locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas before settling at his final location, Fowler, KS from 1976-2005. Throughout his career he taught English, Speech, Forensics, History and coached Tennis, Basketball, Track and Football over the years.

Vern married Jane Marie Finkeldei on April 5, 1983.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Roberta, Yvonne, Billie, Wayne, and LaMoyne. He is survived by his wife Jane, sister Elaine, daughters Lory Finke (Brian), Sara Hayes (David), Erica Foster (Jeremy), and Elissa Smith (Chad), Grandchildren Nick Canton (Kathryn), Madison Jones (Kamrin), Ryleigh Foster, Makenna Smith, Dylan Foster, Trey Smith, Layla Smith, Jon Hayes, Cody Hayes (Maggie), Great Grandchildren Jayden Canton, Easton Canton, and Adelyn Canton, Ellie Hayes, Cash Hayes, Emma Hayes.

His hobbies included skiing, traveling, bike riding, visiting friends and loved ones, and attending local sporting events. Adventures with his grandchildren were by far his favorite pastime.

A celebration of Vern's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Fowler Grade School Auditorium, a luncheon will follow at the school gym and all are invited.  Private family interment will be held in the Fowler Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas.

The family would welcome memorials to the Fowler Recreation or the Fowler Residential care center in care of the funeral home.