Merle Walter

Merle Walter, beloved and loyal patriarch, passed away peacefully Friday, May 31, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend of 43 years, Connie.

Merle was born August 26, 1929, in Severy, KS. After graduating from Severy Rural High School in 1947, he enlisted in the Air Force where he spent 8 years as a Flight Chief and Drill Instructor. While on leave he married Connie on June 18, 1949. In 1951, they started a family and purchased a farm in Severy, KS. He then joined Boeing as a Mechanical Engineer where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Merle’s loyalty to his family, neighbors, friends, and especially his wife, was well known, as he never hesitated to help those he cared for. He enjoyed flying his Cessna, riding his Harley, working on his farm, and traveling with his wife. In his later years, he spent his time volunteering at the Kansas Aviation Museum, tinkering with various machinery in his backyard shed, and keeping up with friends and family online. He also enjoyed regaling his grandchildren with stories of his youth growing up in rural Kansas, along with many anecdotal wisecracks about the nature of humanity. Those who were close to him felt a disturbance in the force with his passing.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie and twin brother, Myron. Survivors include his children, Hal Walter, Sandy Swenson; siblings, Harold Walter, Melba Larson; grandchildren, Kevin (Laura) Swenson, Erik (Gabriela) Swenson, Kimberly Swenson; great-grandchildren, Anna, Bella, Gabriel, Celeste, Jeremy, Magnus, Laird, Maxton and Ava.

Private family graveside.

Memorial contributions may be given in Merle's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and the Arthritis Foundation of Kansas, 1999 N Amidon Ave, Wichita, KS 67203.