Holton – Mervin L. Bartell, 79, Holton, KS, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at his home. He was born December 2, 1942 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Eugene H. and Lillian Y. (Roseman) Bartell-Bryan.

Mervin graduated from Topeka High School in 1960. He proudly served for 6 years in the United States Navy Seabees. In early years, he worked as a cabinet maker for Whelan's in Topeka and later for the Topeka Fire Department from 1972 – 1997; retiring as Captain after 25 years.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Holton, KS, member of the Kansas Street Rod Association and served as a Camp Host at Roaring Rivers and Bennett Springs, MO. Mervin enjoyed "fixing up" antique cars and loved fly fishing, hunting and skeet shooting.

Mervin married Gaynelle Elaine Anderson on September 27, 1963 in Topeka, KS. They celebrated over 58 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Gaynelle of the home; son, Tharen L. Bartell (Terry) of Ozawkie, KS; daughter, Jill R. Benedict (Charles) of Tecumseh, KS; 3 sisters, Helena "Tootie" Meyer of Valley Center, KS, Annie Bourland of Newton, KS and Susie Bryan of Roseburg, OR; 2 brothers, Mike Bryan of Topeka, KS and Louie Bryan of Colorado Springs, CO and 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Kayli and Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Bartell and Lillian Bartell-Bryan; son, Kurt M. Bartell; sister, Vicki Weller and brother-in-law, Don Weller.

Private Family Inurnment will be at a later date at Bennett Springs, Missouri. A register book will be available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.