Merle Willey

Merle Marine Willey, 90, was born January 30, 1936 at the family farm in Belle Plaine and passed away from that very same ground on February 26, 2026. A man of the soil, Merle was the fifth-generation Willey and sixth-generation Walton family member to farm their ground, a fact that stood as a proud testament to his dedication to preserving his family’s heritage and the land they so cherished. This dedicated farmer, born and raised in Belle Plaine, was renowned for his good animal husbandry, caring with diligence for his cows and calves.

Merle was a respected figure in his community, serving on the advisory board for the Resthaven Care Home in Winfield and earning recognition for his tireless work in soil conservation. His passion for preserving the ground was rewarded with the prestigious KBA Soil Conservation Award, a testament to his unwavering commitment to this crucial cause. Beyond the farm, Merle’s dedication continued in the aircraft industry, where he served as an inspector for 20 years at Boeing Aircraft and 10 years at Learjet, retiring from Boeing Aircraft.

Merle Willey is survived by his loving wife, Sharron Willey, whom he married on March 3, 1961. Additionally, he is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Willey of Kansas City, Missouri; son, Darrell Willey of Salina; daughter, Crystal Shields and husband Alan of Belle Plaine; son, Michael Willey of Houston, Texas; son, Dennis Willey of Wichita; son, Sheldon Willey of Wichita; grandchildren, Zachary and Ethan Shields of Lawrence; and a sister, Darlene Fillmore of Salina. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ivery Willey.

Merle’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026 at Cornejo Funeral Home, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington. A private interment will be held at a later date in the Belle Plaine Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

A memorial has been established in his name with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.