Merle Minor

MERLE FRANKLIN MINOR

Cedar Rapids

Merle Franklin Minor, 86, of Cedar Rapids, entered his Heavenly home on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He died of complications from a lengthy struggle with COPD. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Monday, March 20, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial with military honors: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Merle "Buckshot" was born June 13, 1930, the son of Charles Minor and Clara (Stuckey) Buehler, in Cedar Rapids. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean conflict. On Aug. 18, 1954, he was married to Veronica Katherine Ryan in Washington, D.C. He worked as an auto mechanic and greatly enjoyed working on the cars of family and friends.

Merle had many hobbies, including fishing, hunting and cooking. He enjoyed classic movies and listening to the oldies. Merle was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. More than anything, he loved to spend time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica Minor; six children, Jacqueline (Douglas) Stealey, Laree Minor, Donna (Steven) Kent, Richard Minor, Michael Minor and Mildred Mills; 12 grandchildren, Scott (Kerri) Kent, Amanda Minor, Daniel (Diana) Kent, Eric (Wendi) Minor, Adrienne Mills, Alex Minor, Nicholas Stealey, James Kness, Kimberly Jo Mills, Brad Kness, Megan Stealey and Mitchell Kent; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Austin Kness; parents; three brothers, Lyle, Gerald and Dickey Minor; and his loving stepfather, Henry Buehler.

Merle accepted Christ as his Savior recently so we are comforted to know that we will be together again. As much as we loved him here, he is in our future.

Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Merle.

And as Merle would say, "Okay, goodbye."

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.