WOODLAND PARK, Colo. — Merrell Deane Eller, 69, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, from brain cancer. He was born Oct. 30, 1943, in Gaylord. He graduated from Gaylord High School.
Merrell served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was an airframe structural mechanic in the Navy, serving on the USS Ticonderoga. Merrell worked for Beech Aircraft (now Raytheon), Exline’s Inc., and Schwan’s Pizza Service in Salina, Kan., retiring in 2006.
Deane and Cindy moved to Woodland Park, Colo., in 2007. Deane enjoyed riding motorcycles in the mountains. His hobbies included off-road motorcycling, spending time with friends in conversation and working in the garage.
Survivors: children, Justin (Beth) Eller, Brett (Kristy) Eller, and Brandon (Jamie) Nelsen; and four grandchildren, Jacob Eller, Kaylee Eller, Peyton Eller and Tyson Eller.
Preceded in death by: parents, Derwin and Thelma Eller; and a sister, Wanda Cooper.
A funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 18, in Woodland Park, Colo.
A graveside service with military rites will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, Kan.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, at Belmont Boulevard Church of the Nazarene, 2632 Highland Ave., Salina, KS 67401.
Memorials: Woodland Park Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, P.O. Box 1869, Woodland Park, CO 80866.