Merle E. Kratz, a Yale resident, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2009 in his home at the age of 82 years.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Yale, OK and will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in the Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing. Burial will follow in the Lawson Cemetery, Yale, OK.
The son of the late Ed Kratz and Elsie L. Kratz, Merle was born on April 14, 1927 in Onawa, Iowa. As a young man, Merle entered into the United States Army, where he served until his retirement in 1970. During the years of his military service he served overseas and retired as a staff sergeant. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. Merle has been a longtime member of the V.F.W. Post 7322 and of the American Legion Post 0170.
Merle was united in marriage to Lorean Hyle on October 14, 1972 in Oilton, OK. The couple lived there for a short time as he worked as a truck driver. Merle then began working in civil service for Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City. Merle and Lorean eventually made their home in the Choctaw area until Merle’s retirement from Tinker in November of 1990. At that time they moved to Yale where they lived until they moved to Perkins in 1996. The couple moved back to Yale in 2002 where they have lived until his death.
During his spare time, Merle enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Lorean of the home; one brother-in-law, Alan Hyle and his wife Helen of Cushing; one sister-in-law, Doris White and her husband Jr. of Yale; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
Condolences and an online guestbook are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
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