Merton H. Wilch, 95, Topeka, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018.

He was born November 6, 1923 in Richland, the son of Charles and Tressie (Leonard) Wilch. He graduated from Berryton High School in 1941. Merton married Ruth Kious on November 24, 1944. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2008. He was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, Cletus, Kyle, Harold, Clarence and Veryl.

Survivors include children, Ted (Rosemarie) Wilch, Independence, MO, Bob (Debbie) Wilch, Indianapolis, IN, Connie (Bill) Evans, Topeka; grandchildren, Aaron Wilch, Richmond, KY, Rachel (Mike) Jones, Kristi (Cordy) Dennis, all of Indianapolis, IN; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Merton worked at the North American Bomber Plant in Kansas City before being drafted into military service. He was in the 8th Army Air Corps stationed in England. He was a top turret gunner on a B-17 bomber and flew on 32 bombing missions in Europe. All six Wilch brothers served in WWII and returned safely.

After his military service, Merton was a mail carrier in Topeka. In 1958 he went to work at the DuPont Cellophane Plant at Tecumseh, retiring in 1985. He and Ruth lived in Tecumseh 48 years before moving to Aldersgate Village in 2006. Merton was a member of Tecumseh United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Tecumseh Kiwanis club and a volunteer driver once a week for Meals-on-Wheels for 16 years.

Cremation is planned. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Private family inurnment will be at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

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