Mervin Bartell 1942-2022
Mervin L. "Art" Bartell, 79, Holton, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at his home.
He was born Dec. 2, 1942, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Eugene H. and Lillian Y. (Roseman) Bartell-Bryan.
Mervin graduated from Topeka High School in 1960. He proudly served for six years in the United States Navy Seabees. In early years, he worked as a cabinet maker for Whelan’s in Topeka and later for the Topeka Fire Department from 1972 to 1997, retiring as Captain after 25 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Holton, a member of the Kansas Street Rod Association and served as a camp host at Roaring Rivers and Bennett Springs, Mo. Mervin enjoyed “fixing up” antique cars and loved fly fishing, hunting and skeet shooting.
Mervin married Gaynelle Elaine Anderson on Sept. 27, 1963, in Topeka. They celebrated more than 58 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Gaynelle, of the home; son, Tharen L. Bartell (Terry) of Ozawkie; daughter, Jill R. Benedict (Charles) of Tecumseh; three sisters, Helena “Tootie” Meyer of Valley Center, Annie Bourland of Newton and Susie Bryan of Roseburg, Ore.; two brothers, Mike Bryan of Topeka and Louie Bryan of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three grandchildren, Andrew, Kayli and Jordan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Bartell and Lillian Bartell-Bryan; son, Kurt M. Bartell; sister, Vicki Weller; and brother-in-law, Don Weller.
Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Bennett Springs, Mo. A register book will be available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 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)
