Mearl Edward Snethen

Mearl Edward Snethen was born November 27, 1917, at Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas. He was the son of John William and Minnie Anne (Mulvaney) Snethen. A lifelong resident, Mearl made his home in Ottawa, until his death Friday, August 6, 2004, at the age of eighty-six years. He attended Ottawa schools. Mearl worked thirty-eight years for the City of Ottawa, retiring from the position of Superintendent of Streets. He was a member of Ottawa Church of the Nazarene and the Horseshoe Pitching Club. Mearl also attended First Christian Church of Ottawa. Mr. Snethen was a WWII veteran in the Pacific Theater. He served from June 24, 1941, to October 9, 1945, in the United States Army with the Heavy Weapons Infantry. He obtained the rank of Technical Sergeant. Mr. Snethen received the following commendations: one battle bronze star, three battle silver stars and the Philippine Liberation ribbon. Mearl was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He was an expert in woodworking, as well as pitching horseshoes, where he enjoyed visiting with his many friends. On October 16, 1946, Mearl was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lorraine Hicks at Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his daughter, Carolyn Barrett and her husband, David, of Ottawa; granddaughter, Barbara Bishoff, of Ottawa; grandson, Bryan Edward Barrett of Ottawa; sister, Florence Andrews of Napa, California; two great-grandsons, Joel Bishoff and Sean Bishoff of Ottawa; and great-granddaughter, Erin Bishoff of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Faye O'Brien, Minnie Briles, Edith Paar; five brothers, Earl Snethen (his twin), Lester Snethen, Ralph Snethen, Everett Snethen and Ernest Snethen (an infant). Officiating Clergy: Rev. Jim Furnas and Rev.Bruce Beatty In State: Mr. Snethen will lie in state after 1:00p.m. Monday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7-8 Monday evening. Services: Family and friends will meet at Highland Cemetery for graveside at 10:00a.m., Tuesday August 10, 2004. Cemetery: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. Memorials: the family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.