Merle Alfred Walker, 96, Barnard, Missouri died July 29, 2010, at Village Care Center, Maryville, Missouri.

Merle was born March 17, 1914 in rural Maryville, the son of Wilson Douglas “Doug” and Effie May (Neely) Walker. He attended Maple Grove School in rural Barnard. Merle married Dorothy McKnight February 18, 1936 in Savannah, Missouri. She preceded Merle in death in 1971. He married Iota Hughes December 26, 1963 in St Joseph, Missouri. Iota died in 1964 and he then married Dorothy Deffenbaugh Bodle November 17, 1967 in Clearmont, Missouri. Dorothy also preceded Merle in death in 1990.

A farmer and stockman, Merle joined the Bethany Rural Christian Church at a young age and later became a member of the Barnard Christian Church, where he served as an Elder. He participated in several community organizations and was associated with the Barnard Saddle Club many years.

In addition to his wives, Merle was preceded in death by his parents; step-son: Kenneth Hughes and brothers: Roy, John and Orla Walker;

Survivors include his children: Dr. Leon Walker, Mt. Blanchard, Ohio; Merlene Walker, Overland Park, Kansas and Barry Walker, Barnard, Missouri; step-daughters: Barbara Jean Allen, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin and Linda Hughes, Savannah, Missouri; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister: Evanell Whitworth, Winterset, Iowa; one nephew and three nieces.

Visitation is 6-8 pm Monday, August 2, 2010, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri. 

Funeral Services are 10 am Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Price Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in the Barnard American Legion Cemetery, Barnard, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to the New Nodaway Humane Society.