Merle D. Houser Obituary's Obituary
Merle Dean Houser, 83 of Centerville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 21, 2009, after an extended illness. He passed away with his wife, Barbara, at his side. Merle was born on a farm outside of Seymour, Iowa on November 13, 1926 and was married to his first wife, Marilyn Jo Bradley Houser, on June 20, 1954. He was preceded in death by Marilyn Jo on April 8, 1991. Merle was also preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Wylma Houser, and his sister, Marilyn DeGard Bengfort. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara Scott McClure Houser, who he married on May 11, 1996. Merle is also survived by his two children, Martha Houser Breckenridge, of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Bradley Dean Houser and wife Susana, of Miami, Florida, as well as his five grandchildren, Brad Breckenridge, Dillon Breckenridge, Spencer Breckenridge, Alexandra Houser and Jason Houser. Merle grew up in Seymour and earned a full-ride scholarship to attend Iowa Wesleyan College, where he was very active in varsity athletics. Upon graduating from college, Merle served in the military during World War II, where he was stationed in the Pacific Theater. Merle began his teaching and coaching career in Centerville after the war. Merle taught and coached football, basketball and track at Centerville High School for many years. The highlights of his coaching career were his undefeated basketball team in 1959 and his many outstanding track teams. Merle retired as Assistant Superintendent of the Centerville Community School District in the late 1970's to enter private business. However, education always remained his first love vocationally and he returned to teaching at Russell High School in the 1980's. In addition to enjoying time with his grandchildren, Merle was an avid supporter of University of Iowa athletics and attended many Hawkeye football games over the years. He was an active member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church for many years, where he served on the Board of Trustees on several occasions, and he was a member of many civic organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Elks Club. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Drake Avenue Christian Church with Rev. Ken Mehrhoff officiating. Visitation will be all day Monday at Thomas Funeral Home with the family present from 6-8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Drake Avenue Christian Church which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home -- 23548 Hwy 5 -- PO Box 125 -- Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomasfh.com. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merle D. Houser Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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