Merrill Gene Anderson was born April 3, 1938 in Gove County to Albert Julius and Maranda Ellen (Ashworth) Anderson. He passed away June 3, 2014 at Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care in Quinter. He was 76 years of age.

Merrill graduated from Quinter High School in 1955 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at Fort Hays State University in 1960. He worked as a high school shop teacher, a farmer, an attendant at a home for the disabled in Hays, an EMT, and Bus Driver. He also spent some time working for Unruh Chevrolet and the Holiday Inn Gift Shop. Merrill was a member of Kiwanis in Hays, the Quinter Lodge #410 and the Church of the Brethren. He loved his dogs! He enjoyed helping with the Special Olympics, having dedicated many hours to this and received numerous recognitions for his service. He also loved working with wood and leather, drawing, painting, collecting pens and pencils, and doing jigsaw puzzles. He was actually working on a 3000 piece puzzle at the time of his death!

Survivors include his nephew Gary (Cathy) McCurdy and niece Linda McCurdy, both of Emporia. He was a part of the large Anderson/Ashworth families and had many cousins with whom he remained close. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister Marilee; infant sister Alberta Joyce; infant brother Dean Albert; and three sisters Beulah Kathryn Molnar, Twila Louise McCurdy, and Luetta Marie Stuckey.

Graveside memorial services and inurnment will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 8, 2014 at Baker Township Cemetery in Quinter with Pastor Keith Funk Officiating.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Special Olympics or Church of the Brethren. Checks made to these organizations may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the Guest Book (click the above link).