Merle F. Busey

Merle Floyd Busey, 84, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 11, 2010 at Stormont-Vail Health Care.

 He was born June 3, 1925 in Topeka the son of Noel Edmond and Ruth Marie (Morris) Busey.  He was a 1943 graduate of Seaman High School.  Merle served in the United States Marines during WW II.  He was awarded the Purple Heart.

 Merle was employed at Meadow Gold Milk before he retired on June 3, 1987.  He was the first deputy sheriff to receive rank in Shawnee County.

 He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and taking the grandchildren for “fun activities”.  Merle was a very loving and caring person and lived by a very strong moral ethic.  He passed his moral standards down to his children.

 Merle was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

 He was married to Lois Swader on June 5, 1946 in Topeka.  They later divorced.  Merle married Janet Rose Nickel on March 19, 1965 in Topeka.  She survives.

 Other survivors include, four daughters, Sandra Sue (Tom) Swader, Cindy Sue (Shayne) Casey, LeAnne Marie (Anthony) Casey and Michelle Lorene (Albert) Thomas all of Topeka, a brother Harry Eugene (Joy) Busey of Eskridge and a sister in law Nathalie Busey of Topeka.  Ten grandchildren also survive.  He was preceded in death by a grandson Zachary Michael Harrison on December 26, 1994 and a brother Marvin Dale Busey in 1989.

 Merle was cremated.  The family will receive friends at the Brennan-Mathena from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. today where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 Thursday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Hope Mausoleum.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary School and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, 66603.

 Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.