Merlyn William Reker, 91, of Waverly, MO, died Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Addington Place of Shoal Creek in Kansas City.

The family will hold a celebration of life service with military rites at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Luke United Church of Christ in Grand Pass.  Dr. Jim Bottrell will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the church.  Private inurnment was held at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Grand Pass.  Memorials are suggested to St. Luke United Church of Christ and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Born July 19, 1933, in Grand Pass, MO, he was the son of the late Walter Reker and Emma Frederika Utlaut Reker.  Merlyn lived in Saline and Lafayette Counties most of his life and was a 1951 graduate of Santa Fe High School in Grand Pass.  He served in the United States Army as a military policeman and following his discharge he continued to serve with the Missouri Army National Guard.  On August 22, 1966, he married Patricia L. Meachem who preceded him in death on November 18, 2008.  Merlyn’s career was spent doing what he loved to do, farming.  He was a member of Saline County Farm Bureau, having served as president, served on the Waverly Fire Board, Saline/Lafayette Levee District, was a member of the Lion’s Club and had served as state vice-president for an organization of young farmers.  Merlyn was a lifelong member of St. Luke United Church of Christ in Grand Pass where he had served in numerous ways.

Survivors include one daughter, Cheryl Christofferson (Brian Martin) of Kansas City, MO; three grandchildren, Noah Christofferson, Seth Christofferson and Mia Martin; a sister-in-law, Barbara Reker; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Meachem (Bonnie); as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Merlyn was preceded in death by his brother, Albert “Al” Reker.