Merrill Hinkle 1926-2023

Merrill Joe Hinkle, 96, Mayetta, died 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. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1944.

Mr. Hinkle served in the U.S. 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.

He married Margarite Louis Keeler on Nov. 21, 1949, in Horton. She died Sept. 8, 2020. 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 two sons, Bruce Hinkle and wife Georgette, Mayetta, and Morris Hinkle and wife Janis, Topeka; a daughter, Linda Mortimer and husband Harold, Wichita; a sister, Laura Autrey, Topeka; a brother, Edward Hinkle, 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 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.