Merle Eugene Allen, 94, Jamestown, N.D., died Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Eventide Assisted Living in Jamestown.

Merle was born September 28, 1924 in Buchanan, N.D., the son of Aubrey and Cora B (Limesand) Allen. He grew up in the Buchanan area and attended Buchanan Public School. At age seven, Merle lost his mother and thereafter spent much of his childhood working on neighboring farms. At age 11, the Obert Ness Family of Buchanan took him in. Being part of the Ness Family and working on their farm (where he drove his first tractor) created some of the most joyous memories of his childhood.

Merle left school to establish his own farm at age 17. After two years, he rented it out when he volunteered to serve his country in World War II. He served with the US Navy in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Willard Keith during the Okinawan campaign. Throughout his life, Merle’s patriotism and love of country never wavered.

Returning home to his farm near Pingree after two years in the Navy, Merle bought his first tractor, a 36 “D” John Deere, for $300. He found that an identical twin/school teacher from Edmunds, N.D., had a spark in her eye. It turns out that spark lasted for almost 60 years. Merle and Elaine Braun were married March 18, 1949. Together they farmed at Pingree until 1954, when they bought a farm near Windsor. Although Merle and Elaine moved to Jamestown in 1975, they never lost their passion for agriculture and they continued to be an integral part of their farm and the farming community.

Merle loved horses, Fords, John Deeres and “Daisy,” the endearing name he gave his beloved wife. Together they traveled the world, visiting three continents, several countries and all but a few US states. For more than a decade, Merle has missed his Daisy, who passed away in 2008.

Merle felt his greatest blessing was his big family. During the last two weeks of his life, all 15 grandchildren plus their spouses, and 25 great-grandchildren, plus friends and relatives, came from all over the country to visit Grandpa Merle, who was unbelievably entertaining and coherent despite illness. He took great delight in those children and his legacy includes helping every one of them with college funding.

Merle was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and VFW. He is survived by his five children: Merle “Gene” (Bev) Allen, Jud, N. Dak.; Monte Allen, Montrose, Colo.; Connie (Oren) Krapp, Jamestown, N. Dak.; Micheal (Dione) Allen, Windsor, N. Dak.; and Marvin (Emily) Allen, Pingree, N.D.; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, a special nephew, Kevin Moxness, Maple Grove, Minn., special nieces Peggy Krein, Bismarck, N. Dak. and Julie Bonness, Sandstone, Minn., and many special cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Ray Allen and Bernie Allen; and two sisters: Florence Ova and Frances Bonness.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to JRMC Hospice, Jamestown Eventide and the Jamestown Vet’s Club.

Visitation will be 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Eddy Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 24 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, ND with Pastor Joel Winckler and Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating. Burial will be in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Eddy Funeral Home in care of Arrangements.

Please join the family for lunch and fellowship in the church hall immediately following the service.