Merle Ray Wilson

Message from Rich Stange

Your voyage is over, rest in peace, shipmate.

Rich Stange

Message from The Storbs

Sorry to learn of your loss, Of the many, Merle was one of the shipmates that, regrettably, our paths failed to cross, wish that hadn't been so. 1952-54.

Message from Jacqueline Covington

Mike, Tim, Rich and Rose:
The link to your father’s obituary was forwarded to me by Joseph L. Pires, Historian for the USS BENNINGTON. His reasoning was to let me know that YOUR Father may have been one of the many individuals’ instrumental in saving MY Father’s life during the catapult explosion of 26 May 1954 on BIG BENN. Because of the many brave service men on that day, my father (although burned over 60% of his body) still lives today at age 93-years. I salute Your Dad for his fearless actions on that date in Naval history.

Wishing you and your family peace!

Jacqueline Covington, Daughter of
Chief Petty Officer, James S. Covington
US Navy Retired

A candle was lit by Jacqueline Covington on December 10, 2017 6:14 PM

Message from Donald G. Hauser

May the soul of Shipmate Merle Wilson rest in Peace. Requiescat in Pact!
I will enroll Merle in the Iowa Knights of Columbus Perpetual Memorial Society and send it to the family in care of the Funeral Home hoping they will get the letter to the family.

Donald G. Hauser
Shipmate for one day on May 26, 1954 aboard USS BENNINGTON (CVA-20).
3721 Grand Avenue #202
Des Moines, IA 50312
515/277-7494

A candle was lit by USS BENNINGTON Historian on December 10, 2017 10:42 AM

A candle was lit by USS BENNINGTON Historian - Joseph L. Pires on December 10, 2017 10:41 AM

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Mike, Tim, Rich and Rose,

On behalf of the members of the USS BENNINGTON P.A.C.T., please accept our belated condolences on the passing of your dad. We thank you for his service to our country and for his "heroism and courageous actions" that took place on 26 May 1954, off the coast of Rhode Island, when the ship blew up. Because of his actions, Merle was instrumental in saving many lives that day, even though he put himself in harm's way. Merle is an honorable man and served his country with the utmost pride.

Please know that in August of 2018 at our Annual Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony in Bennington, VT (at our Ship's Bell Monument), your dad shall be remembered and the bell will toll in his memory.

With My Deepest Sympathy,
Joseph L. Pires - USS BENNINGTON Historian
Calabash, NC

Message from Stanley and Evelyn Hagen

Condolences to the family. Merle was a kind and wonderful man. Wish we could have been there to celebrate such incredible friend.

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent by The Hamlin’s on December 8, 2017

Message from Judith Muehlbauer

I am so sorry for your loss. May Jesus make his presence felt to you in this time of sadness.

Expression of Sympathy

A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on December 6, 2017

A candle was lit by Dietz and Barb Engler on December 5, 2017 11:15 AM

Message from Dale Yerger

Wonderful man a neighbor ... will always think of him as the mayor of Woman lake

A candle was lit by The Lumley cousins on December 2, 2017 9:02 AM

Message from Meg and Terry Morris

So sorry for your loss. When we moved to Park Rapids in 1976 we lived in the trailer park. Your parents were wonderful to us and we appreciated all their help and support. We were there for 2.5 years. Always enjoyed seeing them around town after that. Sending thoughts and prayers.16

Message from Crandall

It is indeed sad that you are mourning the loss of your dear Merle. Please accept my condolences and know that our loving God is keenly aware of your distressing pain. Soon, He will eliminate all suffering on earth, including death as He has previously done. Therefore, we can appreciate how the Bible further stress that fact in this video link:

vimeo.com/237370649

A candle was lit by Lori and Dale Axtman on December 1, 2017 3:27 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A GARDEN PATH was sent on December 1, 2017

In Deepest Sympathy Peace and Love, Jesse & Jill Clack Family

Expression of Sympathy

A THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was ordered on December 1, 2017

Message from Ann Sargent

Sincere sympathy for the loss of your Dad. Merle was such a kind, soft-spoken friend. He always had a story or two to share. We had some great times together and he and your Mother will surely be missed by all who knew them. Prayers from the Southwest!

Message from Susan and Steve Stark

We are lifting your family in prayer as you face the coming days without your beloved Merle. What a pleasure and an honor it has been for us to meet Merle and to spend precious moments in his presence. What a wonderful man and what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind him. May God bless and comfort you all.

Message from Maggie Ludlow

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was an incredible and unique person. You’re in my thoughts, and I love you dearly, Emily.

Message from Joyce Strohman

So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. I will keep you in my thoughts, Emily

A candle was lit by Joyce Strohman on November 30, 2017 8:31 PM

Message from Mark J,VonBank

11/30/'17 To the Wilson Families, my heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all on the loss of this wonderful person and very kind friend. He had a smile as wonderful as Hackensack and a heart as Big as Minnesota. I will always remember Merle for his kindness and friendliness to me. He made me feel so welcome everytime I would visit at their house in Park Rapids. May He Rest In Peace and watch over all of you from the beautiful skies of heaven knowing he is reunited with his wonderful beloved Sharon. cherish the memories and keep them close to your hearts always. With Prayers and Love, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota.

A candle was lit by Mark J.VonBank on November 30, 2017 7:25 PM

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was sent on November 30, 2017

Thinking of you and your family. Denny and I are so sorry for your loss.

A candle was lit by Lori Wright on November 30, 2017 5:16 PM

A candle was lit by Ben and Linda McGrath on November 30, 2017 4:17 PM