David Merle Gerken was born April 4, 1938 in Appleton City, MO. He went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2012 at Golden Living Center-Westwood, Clinton, MO. He was the son of David D. and Blanche (Green) Gerken.

The majority of Merle's early years were spent in Montrose, MO where he attended grade school and high school. During his school years he was involved in scouts, basketball, and other activities. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he participated in many youth activities. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1958. After graduation he attended U.E.L. in Louisville, Kentucky where he received a degree in Electronics.

In September of 1958 he was united in marriage to M. Joan Wix at the First Baptist Church in Appleton City, MO. This union was blessed with one son and three daughters; Randy Gene (1960), Debra Ann (1961), Cynthia Renee (1963), and Rhonda Jo (1966).

Merle and Joan moved to Clinton, MO in 1959 where Merle was employed at Western Auto as an electronic technician. In 1961 he moved employment to Bob Johnson Appliance Center where he was an electronic engineer. While employed with Bob Johnson's he continued to further his education in electronics by becoming a certified refrigeration technician. He was employed with Bob Johnson's for 28 years until he was forced to retire when he became disabled with MS.

Merle exhibited a wide variety of interests. He loved outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and mechanics. Woodworking of all types was a passion even when he was wheelchair confined. He attended many football games and enjoyed the half-time shows when they included the bands in which his daughters performed. He also enjoyed watching sports on television.

In later years he took pride in being a grandfather and great-grandfather. As a grandfather he would answer to "Gramps," "Grandpa G," "Grandpa," and "Pa-Pa." He always had time to share his knowledge of woodworking, fishing, hunting, building, or "appliance fixing" with them and enjoyed attending their activities. He loved to tell stories of his past and took great joy in hearing their exploits and adventures. As they have grown and moved away he delighted in receiving phone calls, especially from Madia who called frequently.

Merle was a member of the First Baptist Church and Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. He was involved in the Sound Committee at the church when broadcasting church services via the radio was implemented. As a Lieutenant on the volunteer fire department he took great pride in his position, service to others, and training new firemen. Even after he was no longer able to serve he always listened to sirens as they drove by the house on Ohio Street to identify the branch of emergency service vehicle.

Merle was preceded in death by his son, Randy Gene Gerken, parents, David and Blanche Gerken, father and mother –in-law, Warden and Dorothy Wix, brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Mullen, and other aunts and uncles.

Merle is survived by his wife of 54 years, M. Joan Gerken of the home; his three daughters, Debbie and her husband Joe LeBrun of Sedalia, MO; Cindy Kendus of Bermuda Dunes, CA; Rhonda and her husband Rodger Reedy of Windsor, MO; ten grandchildren, Amanda LeBrun, Keisha Kendus, Madia (Kendus) and her husband Mike Singer, Leah Kendus, Zachary LeBrun, Kayley Reedy, Danielle LeBrun, Austin Reedy, and Wesley Reedy, as well as five great grandchildren, Eithan Grotsky, Maddox Lagrimas, Weston Singer, Ambree Singer, and Jaxon Ruiz, one sister-in-law, Peggy and husband Danny Pilcher, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 31, 2012 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel with Rev. Don Eaton and Dr. Randy Shipman officiating. The musical selections were "Daddy's Hands" and "Thru It All" with Bill McCoy as soloist and Scott Brooks as organist and "Grandpa Told Me So" sang by Austin Reedy. The casket bearers were Rodger Reedy, Chris Green, Eddie Wix, Rick Mullen, Joe LeBrun, Matt Green, Mike Singer, and Bob Mischnick. The honorary casket bearers were Clinton Fire Department Volunteers, Jim Groff, Dave Ferron, Charlie Engelken, Don Tenholder, and Dr. Rob Wetzel. Interment was in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri.

Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.