Sfc (Ret)Williamrandolph Merson

SFC (Ret.) William Randolph "Randy" Merson, age 65, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2008 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS after many years living with COPD and a short battle with cancer. Born in Baltimore, MD on July 9, 1942, Randy was a lifelong learner; he graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School, took many social science courses at Kansas State University, and completed dozens of courses and training programs in the military. His passion for education was also reflected in the many courses he instructed throughout his military career. Upon retirement, Randy's love of learning continued through his own pursuits and readings.

Randy very proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years at Fort Benning, GA, Fort Eustis, VA; Fort Story, VA; Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX; Germany; Fort Knox, KY; and Fort Riley, KS. Randy served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Other commendations include: National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (sixth award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (three), Vietnam Service Medal with five campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Overseas Services Bars (three), and the Rifle M-16 SPS Qualification Badge.

Upon retirement, Randy became an active voice in local politics serving as a Geary County Commissioner, the Vice-Chair of the Geary County Democratic Party, a guest columnist for the Daily Union, and a frequent contributor to the "Letters to the Editor" section of several newspapers. He was a resident of Junction City, KS for the past 32 years. He was a member of the VFW, DAV, American Legion, NCOA, NAUS, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also a council member of the Fort Riley Retiree Association and the co-founder of the Junction City chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was a strong advocate for citizenship, democracy, education, and the political process.

He is preceded in death by his father William Joseph Merson.

Survivors include his wife, Diana L. Merson of Junction City, KS; his son, Daniel S. Merson of Ann Arbor, MI; and his mother, Geraldine Merson of Baltimore, MD.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel at 203 N. Washington Street in Junction City, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00. Inurnment will take place at the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery on a later date. Knowing that he could not donate to every worthwhile charity, he would prefer that memorial donations be made to one's own favorite charity. Alternatively, donations may be made to the Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606. Online condolences and remembrances may be left at http://tinyurl.com/3qurxz or http://www.penwellgabel.com.