William Merle Anderson

ANDERSON, MR. WILLIAM MERLE Grand Haven Mr. William Merle Anderson, age 92 of Grand Haven, died Thursday, May 6, 2004 at N. Ottawa Community Hospital. He was born on April 4, 1912 to Frank and Bertha Strand Anderson of Ellendale, ND. Merle worked the family farm until 1940. He moved to Battle Creek, MI to propose marriage to Gladys Nelson, formerly from Frederick, South Dakota. She preceded him in death in 1979 after 39 years of marriage. Merle served as a Sargent in the Army Air Corp in WWII as a ring gunner on a B-29. Following his discharge he lived in Battle Creek where he worked at Michigan Carton, Eaton Valve Plant and Columbia Plumbing and Heating. He retired in 1976 from The Kellogg Co. after 25 years of service. He ministered at local nursing homes in music and song for 30 years. He was an active member of the FGBMFI and was a certified lay speaker with the United Methodist Church.He attended Birchwood Methodist Church until 1988 when he moved to the Grand Haven/Spring Lake area. SURVIVORS Daughter, Kay Bill McPeak of Spring Lake, MI; grandchildren, Brian Howell of Spring Lake, MI, Susan Sean Green of Spring Lake, MI, Tammy Greg Kessler of Grand Haven and Rod Christina McPeak of Nunica, MI; Great Grandchildren , Zoe Green, Rebekah and Jonathan Kessler and Brittany and Cambrie McPeak; a sister, Dorothy Leatherman of Wall, MS; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by, daughter, Gloria Jean, sister, Frances Earl Criswell and brothers, Paul, Harvey, Floyd, Donald, Lynn, Howard and Gordon. SERVICE Monday, May 10, 2004, 11:00 AM at Clock Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Pastor Curt McClain officiating. Military Rites under the auspices of the VFW Post 2326 of Grand Haven. The committal service will be held at Battle Creek Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Grand Haven.MEMORIAL:Senior Resources of W. Michigan.