Merle Shannon

Merle Harvey Shannon was born on Jan 25, 1917 to James Howard Shannon and Catherine Rebecca Bechler Shannon. Merle grew up in Sac City and was raised by his mother and grandparents --- the Bechlers. His mother remarried and he welcomed his sister Emma. He graduated from Sac City High school in 1936 and went to work on a farm. While chatting with five of his buddies, they decided to enlist in the Army and drove to Ida Grove and joined on Feb 10, 1941. This was quite surprising to most that knew Merle, because he hated to leave Sac City for any reason — even on family vacations.

When WWII broke out he was off to Ireland and England, where he met the love of his life Joan. Merle married Joan Mary Knight on July 17, 1943 in Wotten-Under-Edge England. These two were a great match and celebrated seventy years of marriage. Merle served five years as a field medic in the war and participated in key battles including Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he came back to Sac City in 1945 and was followed by his wife and one year old son in March of 1946. They made their home in Sac City, where they raised three children Raymond, Jackie and Mike. Merle was employed by the Sac Water Treatment Plant and worked for Glen Bartles selling Skelgas, followed by working for Ferd Hanson for over forty years in the implement business, only retiring when Ferd retired.

Merle enjoyed time with his family and friends and one of his greatest joys was being a long time member of the Sac City Volunteer Fire Department. He loved to play cards at the VFW and was a fierce competitor. He also liked fishing, bowling, and softball in his younger years. He lived a full life and will be fondly remembered by many.

Merle passed away on November 8, 2014, at the age of 97 years old. He is survived by his son Raymond and wife Kathy, daughter Jackie and husband Earl Stone, and son Mike and wife Joann; seven grandchildren; six great-granddaughters; one great great grandson and many nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by both parents, his wife Joan and sister Emma.