Merle Gray

Merle Gray, age 82, of Brookfield, died Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Morningside Center in Chillicothe.

An outdoor visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield.  The family will receive your words of sympathy by a drive-through receiving line under the south canopy of the funeral home.  There will be a private family burial at Parsons Creek Cemetery north of Meadville.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Linn County Relay for Life may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

Merle Thomas, son of Homer and Ruth (Thomas) Gray, was born June 2, 1938, in Meadville.  On April 20, 1958, he married Janice Marie Cholak. 

Merle was a graduate of Meadville High School.  Born and raised in Meadville he excelled in basketball and baseball.  He was very proud to be a Meadville Eagle! 

Merle and Jan moved to Brookfield in 1965, where Merle went to work for Brookfield Banking Company.  He later purchased NuRest Bedding Company of Laclede, relocating it to Brookfield.  In 1979, Merle became a Rural Mail Carrier for the U.S. Post Office where he remained until his retirement.

Merle had a passion for Taxidermy where he was awarded many ribbons for his work. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially loved fishing with his grandsons.  

Merle was a member of the Brookfield First Presbyterian Church, Lion’s Club, Linn County Democrat Club, Elk’s Lodge and active in the Linn County Relay for Life.  He was also a member of the Brookfield County Club where he proudly performed in the County Club Opening’s beginning in the early 1970’s.

Survivors include his wife, Jan of the home; two children, Dana Harmon and husband, David of Brookfield and Doug Gray and partner, Kevin Yates of Kansas City; two grandsons, Ethan Harmon and wife, Shelby of Brookfield and Lake Harmon and wife, Marlee of Jonesburg; two great grandchildren, Watson and Ella Harmon of Brookfield; two sisters, Marylin Salvador of Plantation, Florida and Mildred Gudgell of Meadville; his precious pup, Ruthie; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

His parents: and two brothers, Melvin and Marvin Gray preceded him in death.

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