Donald’s Obituary Donald R. Merriman, 98, died Friday, December 14, 2018 at Sanford USD Medical Center. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Beresford City Cemetery, followed by Celebration of Life services from 3:30-5:30 PM at Klassix in Beresford, SD. Donald Raymond Merriman was born in Lane, SD on November 12, 1920 to Ira and Clara (Brattrud) Merriman.
He graduated from Woonsocket High School, and then worked for his uncle, Tony Kuborn, drilling water wells. He later moved to Yankton, SD where he worked for Finger Well Drilling and met Elaine Dahlin. The two were married in McCook, NE on October 10, 1942.
At the age of 22, he was drafted into military service. He intended to be a pilot, but upon showing a strong aptitude for math and science he was placed into specialized training courses at the University of Alabama to become a navigator. Donald later graduated from the USAAF Advanced Navigation School in Ellington Field, TX and was sent overseas to serve during WWII.
His combat unit of the U.S. Army Air Corps was based in England, and he flew eleven missions as a navigator with the 94th Bomb Group before the war ended, and then spent time in Germany helping keep the peace before returning home to Elaine. Don and Elaine moved to Beresford, SD where he started Merriman Well Drilling. Don was active in both the state and national drilling conventions.
He was very active in the VFW where he served as Commander three times and as Quartermaster for twenty years. For decades, he volunteered his time running Sunday night bingo. Don also served on the Beresford School Board and as a Beresford City Council member.
Coming from large families, Don and his wife were frequently surrounded by family and friends and he always enjoyed their many get-togethers with an open door, a warm welcome, and often a deck of cards in his hand. He had a strong memory and sharp wit, and his family cherished his many fascinating stories about his life and service. Don is survived by his 7 children, Gloria Gunnare, Gayle (Robert) White, Dale (Judi) Merriman, Larry (Marty) Merriman, Lonnie (Linda) Merriman, Sharon Merriman, and Penny (Brian) Lansdowne; nineteen grandchildren, Mike (Caren) Gunnare, Chris (Denise) Gunnare, Robin (Tracee) Gunnare, Nichole (Jason Griak) White, Cosette (Dion) Pease, Nathan (Annette) White, Amanda White, John (Andrea) Merriman, Michelle (Jeff) Hatfield, Drew Merriman, Sarah (Pete) Hansen, Jacob (Caroline) Merriman, Joseph (Ashley) Merriman, Rebekah Merriman, Caleb Merriman, Jeremiah Merriman, Thomas (Heidi) Merriman, Brittany Merriman, and Clara Merriman; 31 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elaine; his son Geoff; son-in-law, Cliff Gunnare; great-grandson, Joshua; two brothers, Keith and Vern Merriman; and his parents, Ira and Clara Merriman.
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