Merrill Robert Anthony
October 7, 1924 — March 30, 2008
Merrill “Tony” R. Anthony, 83, a resident of The Villages at Marion, and formerly of Robins, Iowa, died there Sunday, March 30, 2008 following a short illness. Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Hiawatha, by Rev. Daniel Krueger. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his son, Steven Anthony of Hiawatha, a daughter Susan Goeman of West Des Moines, and a grandson, Brandon Goeman of Kansas City, Missouri; two brothers, Larry and Kenneth Anthony.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; and a sister, Irene Anthony.
Merrill was born October 7, 1924 the son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Sukstors) Anthony in Colon, Nebraska. He was raised on a farm until he graduated from High School in Garrison, IA. He then went to Chicago to work for Kelly O’Leary Steel Works. He returned to Iowa for six months when he enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving until 1946. On March 7, 1947 he married Arlene Watson in Vinton, IA. She passed away on January 11, 2003. They were married for 55 years. Tony worked for several Iowa contractors as a carpenter. He retired from WMT and KGAN on September 1, 1970, after twenty years of service, as building and grounds supervisor.
Tony is a member of American Legion Post No. 298 of Marion where he served as Commander in 1977, 1st Vice President for two years, Sergeant of Arms for six years and County Commander. He sold and installed flags and flag poles for many years. He also was Grand Americanism Chairman of 40 & 8.
Military Honors provided by American Legion Post No. 298, Marion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, 201 1st Ave., Hiawatha, 52233.
Survivors include his son, Steven Anthony of Hiawatha, a daughter Susan Goeman of West Des Moines, and a grandson, Brandon Goeman of Kansas City, Missouri; two brothers, Larry and Kenneth Anthony.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; and a sister, Irene Anthony.
Merrill was born October 7, 1924 the son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Sukstors) Anthony in Colon, Nebraska. He was raised on a farm until he graduated from High School in Garrison, IA. He then went to Chicago to work for Kelly O’Leary Steel Works. He returned to Iowa for six months when he enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving until 1946. On March 7, 1947 he married Arlene Watson in Vinton, IA. She passed away on January 11, 2003. They were married for 55 years. Tony worked for several Iowa contractors as a carpenter. He retired from WMT and KGAN on September 1, 1970, after twenty years of service, as building and grounds supervisor.
Tony is a member of American Legion Post No. 298 of Marion where he served as Commander in 1977, 1st Vice President for two years, Sergeant of Arms for six years and County Commander. He sold and installed flags and flag poles for many years. He also was Grand Americanism Chairman of 40 & 8.
Military Honors provided by American Legion Post No. 298, Marion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, 201 1st Ave., Hiawatha, 52233.
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