Merle Owen Blew

Merle Owen Blew, son of Clarence and Golden Daisy (Busick) Blew, was born at home in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, on November 12, 1932, and died Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas, at the age of 77 years, 2 months, and 15 days.

Merle, the only boy among 4 sisters, spent his elementary years at Riverton Grade School, before the family moved to Jewell County to farm. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1951. Merle entered the United States Army on March 12, 1953, and was a heavy machine gunner with M Co. 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Following his discharge in 1955, Merle returned home and was part of the construction crew that built Lovewell Lake. He was united in marriage to Jean (Garman) and her children- Linda and Larry, on November 12, 1956, in Burr Oak, Kansas. To this union was born one son, Mark. The young family moved to Pittsburg where he attended Pittsburg College on the G. I. Bill, taking machine training and welding. They returned to Jewell County, where Merle purchased the local blacksmith shop that had been in business since the early 1900’s. It still had the dirt floor, but also had a beautiful rose garden. After becoming too confining, he constructed a new building which became Mankato Welding and Machine, MWM. In 1964, Merle and his brother-in-law, Boyd Silsby, formed a partnership and the shop continued to grow and expand through the 1990’s. Merle was full of ideas that were developed and products that were built, including stock racks, cattle panels, trailers and dozer blades. Later, hydraulic cylinder stops were made, these were shipped throughout the United States. Merle was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 7830, Elks Lodge, Jewell County Historical Society (where he was involved for many years with the Annual Threshing Bee) and was on the City Council for 8 years. He was also a member of the Harmony United Methodist Church in Mankato.

Merle and Jean instilled in their children a strong work ethic. This work ethic was also instilled in his grandsons, Jeremy and Nathan Page, while working alongside their grandpa during the summer months. Merle was a devoted grandfather and loved teasing his grandsons. He was thrilled about living to see the birth of five great-grandchildren, and was honored with one of his twin great-grandson’s being named after him (Brody Owen.) Merle was able to spend this past holiday season surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Mark in 2009. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jean; his daughter- Linda Beckwith, Manhattan, Kansas; son- Larry of Formoso, Kansas; grandsons, Jeremy and wife, Trinette Page, and children- Shelby, Mason, and Brody of Joplin, Missouri, Nathan Page and children, Gram and Spencer of Manhattan, Kansas; sisters – Donna Silsby, Mankato, Kansas, Doris and husband, Howard Long of Cold Creek, Colorado, Margaret and husband, Andy Patton of Lafayette, Colorado, and Melba Johnson of Auburn, Kansas, many nieces and nephews. Merle also leaves behind the respect and friendships of many, many friends.

A celebration of life service for Merle Owen Blew was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Tessa Zehring officiating. Organist was Pat Grout, and music was preformed by Jon and Rosalie Menhusen, and Allen and Elaine Smith. Inurnment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Military Honors were presented by United States Army Honor Guard, Ft. Riley, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to V.F.W. Post No. 7830, or Harmony United Methodist Church, both of Mankato, Kansas

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas was in charge of arrangements.