John Merryman

John Jacob Merryman, died August 4, 2012, at his home in Topeka, surrounded by his family. John celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends last October and his 70th wedding anniversary with his wife, Betty Ice Merryman, on May 29.

John was a beloved child of God; a kind, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; and a highly respected mentor, teacher, coach and friend. He will be fondly remembered for his legacy of warmth, wit and wisdom.

John was born October 2, 1921, in Kiowa, KS to Dot & Vernon Merryman. As a student of Kiowa High School, from which he graduated in 1939, John was a talented musician, athlete, class officer and Eagle Scout who earned numerous awards and honors.

Betty and John were married in 1942 in Topeka, where they lived since 1945; after John completed his service as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corp during World War II.

John attended Kansas State University before graduating from Washburn University in 1947. He subsequently earned a master's degree in education from the University of Kansas. He devoted the entirety of his 40 year career to students at Highland Park High School, where he was a full time history teacher. John also served as an assistant football coach for 31 years, head football coach for four years, and assistant track coach for 16 years, and head track coach for 21 years. He was inducted into the Highland Park High School Hall of Fame in 1995.

After retiring in 1987, John enjoyed spending time with his family and engaged in a variety of creative hobbies- including painting, woodworking, and piano playing.

John considered the years he spent in service to his Lord as a member of the Central Church of Christ as his greatest privilege. He served as a deacon for 14 years, an elder for 23 years, and director of the church's education program for 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leroy Merryman and his sister Lib Gardner. He is survived by his wife; sister, Verna Tucker; daughters Judy (John) Schultz, Nancy Wyllie and Becky (Joe) Mitarotondo; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Church of Christ, 1250 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cr., Topeka, KS 66606.