Vilo R. Walston, 78, of Bennington, died at his home Thursday, May 30, 2013, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. He was born May 10, 1935 in Bennington, the son of Clayton and Helen (Rose) Walston.
Vilo worked for the Fed-eral Civil Service at the Smoky Hill Air Force Base and Ft Riley until he retired in 1990. He then worked at the St. Francis Academy until 2006.
Vilo married Sandra Ben-edict January 3, 1954 and to this union five daughters were born. He was a loving husband and father who truly enjoyed having those he loved near him.
Vilo was a member of The Church of the Trans-figuration, Bennington Li-ons Club, and the USD 240 School Board. He served as a volunteer fireman, the community Santa Claus and was instrumental in forming and producing the Bennington Rodeo.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sandra; daughters, Kimberly (Rod-ney) Zeigler, Kerry Jo (Brad) Linder, Kandy (Jo-ey) Windholz, Konni (Danny) White, and Kelly (Kirk) Johnston; fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2013, at the Church of the Transfiguration in Bennington, with burial in the Bennington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, where the family will greet visitors form 6 to 8 p.m..
Memorials are to the Bennington Lions Club or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
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Gary James Merrill, 75, of Salina, passed away May 28, 2013. Gary was born July 29, 1937, in Glen Elder, Kan. He was the son of James R. Merrill and Winifred Merrill. A Navy veteran, Gary retired from Philips Lighting after 30 years of service in 1998.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marilyn Herwig. Gary is survived by his wife, Cynthia, whom he married on Sept. 5, 1959.
Besides his wife, other survivors include his son, David (Carol) Merrill; his two daughters, Briana (John) Olson and Linda (Dan) Mendicina; two siblings, Mike Merrill and Suzanne Canada; and seven grandchildren, Dr. Chelsey (Adrian) Nolasco, Shawncie and Hailie Merrill, Dylan and Paige Mendicina, and Josh and Carlie Olson.
Gary spent his time golfing, motorcycle riding and camping at Milford Lake. He was an avid K-State football fan and held season tickets for over 40 years.
Memorial services are planned at a later date to accommodate family.
Contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Hospital and Tammy Walker Cancer Center.