Robert "Bud" Merrill

Robert “Bud” Merrill, 90, of Gettysburg died Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday September 5, 2013 at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg.  

Robert John Merrill was born September 10, 1922 on the homestead, south of Gettysburg in Sully County to Dayton and Florence “Elize” (McGee) Merrill. He attended school in east Harrison Country School until 8^th grade and then helped on the family farm.

In July 1943 Bud entered the United State Army at Ft. Snelling, MN. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in November 1945 with a purple heart. Bud returned home and farmed and ranched with his dad and brothers. In 1956 he bought the farm and worked there all of his life until 2012 when he retired at age 90. He entered the Avera Oahe Manor in May 2013 and remained there until the time of his death.

On November 24, 1950 Bud was united in marriage to Phyllis Parks. To this union two children were born, Allen and Mark. Bud was proud that his two sons always came home to help on the farm.

He worked at the Gettysburg Sale Barn for many years and loved working around livestock.

Bud was a longtime member of the American Legion and VFW.

Bud’s life will be treasured by his wife Phyllis of Gettysburg; his sons: Allen Merrill of Gettysburg and Mark Merrill of Pierre; two sisters: Daisy Plumb and Dorothy Roseland of Piedmont and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dora Archer; and six brothers: Ray, Ben, Allen, Charles, Donald and Edward.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bud’s arrangements.