Merle Ainley

Merle Ainley, 87, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Iowa Veterans Home with his wife, Jo Anne, and son, Paul, by his side. A Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Copper Kettle at the Iowa Veterans Home, where family will greet guests. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences or questions please visit; www.mitchellfh.com . Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Merle and his family. Phone 641-844-1234. Merle Edwin Ainley was born on August 19, 1926, in Independence, Missouri. He was the son of Thornton and Bernice (Menz) Ainley. Merle graduated from West Tech High School in Des Moines in 1944. Merle enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II from September 12, 1944, until June 16, 1946, serving on the USS Finch, a destroyer escort. On August 31, 1947, Merle was united in marriage to Jo Anne Barger. Merle began a career in sales in the business of office machines and typewriters; eventually he found his greatest pleasure in selling a variety of items at fairs and celebrations, such as the Pella Tulip Festival. As a couple, Jo Anne and Merle, they loved traveling and meeting new people. Left to cherish Merles memory are his wife of 66 years, Jo Anne; children: Julie (Douglas) Byers of Boise, Idaho, Paul (Lee Ann) Ainley of Gilman, and Douglas Ainley of Marshalltown; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren; siblings: Wilma (Gene) Sheldon of Arizona, and Don (Brenda) Ainley of Tucson, Arizona. Merle is preceded in death by his son, David, and brother, Thurlan Ainley.