Merle Eugene Chitwood

Merle Eugene Chitwood

Merle Eugene Chitwood, 79, Topeka, died Thursday, May 30, 2013. He was born June 18, 1933, at Ozawkie, the son of Clarence and Jessie Chitwood. Merle graduated from Seaman High School in 1951.

Merle served in the United States Navy 1952-1975, serving in Vietnam two tours. He worked in Stormont-Vail Hospital Supply Department 1975-1991.

He was a member of the former Meriden Lodge # 236, AF & AM, where he was a Past Master, he was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of District #15 of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Kansas, and was a current member of Perry Lodge # 415 AF & AM, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 4319 (Past President of Eagles Aerie 58), Fleet Reserve Association Branch 167 of Topeka (Past President), Capitol Post # 1 of the American Legion, and Philip Billard Post # 1650, VFW.

Merle was married to Flossie Louis Persyn on September 28, 1956, at Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Surviving are his wife: Flossie of the home; a daughter Joyce P. Chitwood of Topeka; and three sisters: Lois Ausherman and Irene Robertson of Topeka, and Ruth Ann Culbreth of Georgia.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue. Perry Lodge # 415, AF & AM and a U.S. Navy Detail will conduct honors at Topeka Cemetery. Merle will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Monday, at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital Travel Fund c/o Arab Shriners, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.


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