Merrill Harvey was born on September 16, 1937, at home on a farm near Polk City, Iowa and passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 86.
Merrill was born at home outside Polk City on the family farm. He attended a one room schoolhouse when younger, later attending and graduating Ankeny High School. He enlisted in the Air National Guard and served from September 13, 1955, until honorably discharged August 19, 1961. He married Patricia Perry on September 20, 1958. Into this union was born a daughter and son. They later divorced.
He worked on the family farm until it was sold in 1969. He then worked for Jones Machinery as a saw repair and salesman traveling the western United States until his retirement. During the years on the road, he took his family with him camping in many parks along the way and enjoying sites from each state they stayed in, working during the day and spending evenings and weekends exploring.
He followed in his father’s footsteps as an avid rockhound and had many great finds, many of which now reside in a rock garden at his children and nieces' homes. He also enjoyed singing and dancing and felt he was lucky at the casino’s gambling.
He was a very strong believer in leading others to the Lord and felt compelled to witness to many in his life leading several to Jesus as their savior.
Merrill is survived by his daughter, Mindi (Terry) Brandt; son, Keith (Julie) Harvey; grandchildren, Allison Gehringer, Kelsey (Matt) Shanklin, Kaleb Harvey and one great- grandchild, Walker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Marguerite (Indlecoffer) Harvey, Brother, Don (Alma) Harvey; Sister, LaVonne (Frank) Foster.
A special thanks to the staff at The Life Center in Des Moines for their excellent care.