DUANE LINDELL MERRELL

Duane Lindell Merrell, 88, of LaGrange, Mo, died peacefully with his family by his side in Blessing Hospital on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Duane was the son of the late Lindell and Anna Merrell. Duane was born on December 28, 1934, in Maywood, Mo. He married Phyllis Wiesemann on June 22, 1958.

Duane worked for the United State Postal Service. He started his career in 1954 as a part-time clerk in LaGrange. In 1979, he became postmaster in Maywood, Missouri. In 1985, he became postmaster in LaGrange, Missouri, and retired from there in 1992. Duane was an active member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran in LaGrange. He held various offices within the church. His Lutheran faith was a guiding factor in the way he led his life and raised his family. In 1978, he was one of the original board members of St. Peter’s Early Childhood Learning Center. He was a charter member of the LaGrange Lion’s Club which started February 25, 1971.

Duane and Phyllis enjoyed traveling and took several bus tours, including the New England states and the west coast. Duane was an avid antique collector and spent many hours refinishing purchases that he made from various auctions. For many years he clerked with auctioneer Merlin Earlywine, at various estate sales around the area. He also had a green thumb and enjoyed taking care of and growing beautiful flowers in his yard. His gardening talents were recognized with an award from the LaGrange Garden Club. Duane loved nothing more than family gatherings. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He loved to reminisce about his high school years at LaGrange High School, including classmates, teachers, the school fight song and game cheers. He taught his kids and grandkids the LaGrange fight song and game cheers and they were proudly shouted at most family gatherings.

Duane is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 64 years. They were blessed with five children, Aaron, Las Vegas, Nevada;, Roderick (Leanne), LaGrange, Missouri; Brent (Theresa), LaGrange, Missouri; Kerry (Marty) Brown, Olathe, Kansas; Ryan (Stephanie) LaGrange, Mo; his grandchildren, Zachary (Jordan) Merrell, Taylor, Missouri; Kayla Merrell, LaGrange, Missouri; Megan Brown, Cedar Park, Texas; Garrett Brown, Cedar Park, Texas; Lauren and Leah Merrell, LaGrange, Missouri; Sarah Legg, Palmyra, Missouri; Taylor (Shade) Lewis, LaGrange, Missouri; Kaitlyn Vandermaiden, Springfield, Illinois; Gabriel Vandermaiden, Quincy, Illinois; and two great grandchildren, Carter Legg and Maesyn Lewis. Duane is survived by one sister, Joan Jacobs, LaGrange, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elbert and Dena Wiesemann, brother-in-law, Ray Jacobs, and brother-in law and sister-in-law Kenny and Peggy Wiesemann.

Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Home in Lagrange, Missouri, Wednesday, March 1, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, LaGrange, Missouri 63448. Pianist: Alice Lee Solter. Pallbearers: Zachary Merrell, Garrett Brown, Gregg Jennings, Troy Logsdon, Larry Hoyes, and Delbert Earlywine. Honorary pallbearers: Larry Wolfmeyer, Lester Jennings and Leland Payne.

Memorials can be made to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, LaGrange, Missouri.

Online condolences may be left at davis-fh.com