Merlin Grimes, 83, died Nov. 17, 2017, at his home in Great Bend. He was born Sept. 22, 1934, in Osborne County, the son of Carl Lloyd and Georgia Anita (Perfect) Grimes. He married Nelva Wallace Jan. 19, 1956, at Alton. A Great Bend residence since 1956, coming from Alton, he started his career as a cattle buyer for Thies Packing and later he owned and operated Golden Belt Feeders and was co-owner of Ellinwood Packing.
Mr. Grimes was a long-time active member of First Christian Church, Great Bend; was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, Board of Directors of Community Bank of the Midwest, and Fort Hays State Difference Makers.
Survivors include his wife, Nelva Grimes, of the home; three daughters, Kim Guesnier and her husband Bernie of Great Bend, Brenda White and her husband Chuck of Wichita, and Jana Kaiser and her husband Stan of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Abby Foster and her husband Brandon, Emily Ledford and her husband Cameron, Jacob Williamson and his wife Amy, Lindsey Ralston and her husband Robert, Kyle Kaiser and his wife Erin, Courtney Pierson and her husband Kyle, Brett Kaiser and Connor Kaiser; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Homer Grimes and Carol Grimes.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at First Christian Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. Josh Leu officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-9 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 Monday, Nov. 20, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Golden Belt Community Foundation for the Benefit of First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral Arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune Nov. 19, 2017