Merle Cales

Merle Cales, 94, of Bolivar, MO passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at National Healthcare in Joplin, MO. Merle Elmer Cales was born August 22, 1922 to Elmer J. and Mae French Cales on a farm southwest of Burden, Kansas and departed this life February 21, 2017 at NHC in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 94. He attended school for two years at a one room country school before moving to Winfield, Kansas. While in high school he participated in basketball, baseball, and tennis. He graduated from high school in Winfield, Kansas in 1940 and attended St. John’s college. While playing baseball, the manager of a semi-pro club from Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas asked him to try out for the team. He played semi-pro baseball in both state and national tournaments. While working at Cessna, he met Wilma Thomason whom he married October 30, 1943. Shortly after their marriage he was drafted into the army and spent two and a half years in the South Pacific. Upon returning home he went back to college to finish his education. He received his B.A degree in education from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas and his master’s degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. He spent thirty-seven years in the education field before retiring and moving to Bolivar, Missouri in 1987. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and served as a lay leader and lay minister for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star for fifty years. Merle was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also spent many hours on the golf course and enjoyed working in his yard and garden. He was proud of the time he spent working with the city of Bolivar on Parks and Recreation committee. Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma of 68 years, by four brothers, and a grandson, Nathan. He is survived by his daughter, Jean Lunt, of Lamar, Colorado and his son, Dr. Dwaine Cales (Margaret) of Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister, Alma Mae Leavell of Winfield, Kansas, five grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A celebration of life will be held at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 2 PM. Visitation will be held the hour prior. Memorials may be made to Compassus Healthcare at 2650 E. 32nd St. Suite 100, Joplin, MO 64804 in Merle’s name. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri.

Merle Cales

August 22, 1922 - February 21, 2017