Merle F. Binder

Merle F. Binder, 86, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the McPherson Hospital.  

Merle was born on September 15, 1937, in Oak Hill, KS, the son of Fredrick T. and Alva L. (Lewis) Binder.  He graduated from Longford High School in 1955.  

On September 18, 1956, Merle was united in marriage to Noleen June Clark.  This union was blessed with four children, Mark, Dan, David, and Ronda.  Merle and Noleen were married for 63 years prior to her passing on March 6, 2020.

Merle and Noleen established their first home together in Clay Center, KS.  In 1957, they moved to Wichita, KS until 1959, when they moved back to Longford.  In 1966, the family moved to McPherson, KS.   

Merle worked at McPherson Coop and then was an area seed salesman for Sommer Brothers Seed Company in Topeka and Rudy Patrick Seed Company in Hutchinson. He retired from Chemstar in McPherson where he was a corn mill operator.  

He was a member of the First Christian Church, McPherson.   

Survivors include his children, Mark Binder (Cindy) of Garfield, AR, Dan Binder (Fay Ann) of Inman, KS, David Binder of Plano, TX, and Ronda Gilstrap (Douglas) of Wichita, KS; sister, Leona Woellhof of Oak Hill, KS; sister-in-law, Freda Binder of Texas; seven grandchildren, Chad Binder, Justin Binder (Taylor), Jessica Smith (Ty), Mallory Binder, Natalie Binder, Jason Gilstrap (Ashley), and Luke Gilstrap (Megan); nine great-grandchildren, Tinley Gilstrap, Tucker Gilstrap, Tess Gilstrap, Oliver Gilstrap, Nicolas Gilstrap, Shay Smith, Sloan Smith, Charli Jo Binder, and Wade Binder; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings, Calvin Binder, Ruth Proctor, and Wayne Binder

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 8, 2024, at McPherson Cemetery. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating.

Memorial donations may be given to First Christian Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.