Publish date: 5/11/2008

Merle FrancisMULLIS departed this life on May 9, 2008, in Florence, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hix Thomas and Callie Mae Mullis, his wife, Georgia Elaine, three sisters, Maxine Mullis, Fern Adams, and Velma Thomas, and two brothers, Clifford and Leonard Mullis.

Merle was born in Worland, Mo., on Feb. 11, 1922, and graduated from high school in Rich Hill, Mo., and attended the Worland Baptist Church.

He worked on the family farm with his dad until he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Merle proudly served with the 13th Armored Division as an amphibious tractor driver and was involved in seven assault landings in the Pacific Theater.

Merle married Georgia Elaine Richards on Feb. 14, 1959. They spent most of their married life in Denver and he retired from Samsonite Corporation with 30 years of distinguished service. They moved to Loveland in the fall of 1998.

Throughout his life he enjoyed gardening, was an accomplished woodworker, and an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies. Merle spent his last few years in Florence, Colo., at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home.

Merle is survived by several nieces and nephews, and a dear friend, Trudy Barnes of Loveland.

Graveside services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Loveland Burial Park.

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