Merrill Hinkle 1926-2023
Merrill Joe Hinkle, 96, of Mayetta, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
He was born Sept. 17, 1926, in Powhattan, the son of George Blaine and Della Faye (Newlin) Hinkle.
Merrill graduated from Peabody High School in 1944. He proudly served in the United States Navy.
He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in many departments, retiring after 38 years. He was a member of Wetmore American Legion Post 282 and Moose Lodge in Topeka.
Merrill was a rock hound. He enjoyed painting, polka dancing and woodworking. He built two personal homes through the years.
Merrill married Margarite Louis Keeler on Nov. 21, 1949, in Horton. She preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 2020, after 70 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, George Blaine and Della Hinkle; a son, Michael Joe Hinkle; and a brother, Jewell Hinkle.
Survivors include his two sons, Bruce Hinkle (Georgette) of Mayetta and Morris Hinkle (Janis) of Topeka; a daughter, Linda Mortimer (Harold) of Wichita; a sister, Laura Autrey of Topeka; a brother, Edward Hinkle of Foreman, Ark.; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life services for Merrill and Margarite will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Wetmore Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Holton VFW Post 1637, Wetmore VFW and Holton American Legion Post 44.
Memorials may be given to the 4-H club of your choice or Wetmore American Legion Post 282, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
