Harry Merle Armstrong, Jr.

Harry Merle Armstrong Jr., 85, passed away Monday, September 18, 2017 at his home in Edson, Kansas.  Merle, as he was known to family and friends, was born May 4, 1932 to Harry and Evelyn (Charles) Armstrong in Hebron, Nebraska, the oldest of five children.  Merle attended two country schools and his secondary education was received at Goodland High School.  He was honored to have served his country as a member of the United States Armed Forces.  Merle married his wife of 64 years, Donna Jean Collins at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on April 25, 1953, and to this union were born four children; Vickie, Brenda, Scott and Mike.

Merle took great pride in his business Armstrong Pump and Well right up to the time of his passing, and will be missed by all of his many loyal customers.  He enjoyed working in his yard, restoring old tractors, working with animals, and most of all spending time with his family.  Merle was known for his teasing nature and had a story for all he met.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Evelyn Armstrong, son Scott Armstrong, brother Robert Armstrong, and several nephews.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna Jean Armstrong of the home; brother Jack (Doris)  of Goodland, Kansas;  brother Phil (Sharon) of Oologah, Oklahoma; and sister Patricia Carney of Goodland, Kansas; along with three children Vickie (Bennie)  Haremza of Hailey, Idaho; Brenda (Cody) Lingo of Cahone, Colorado; and Mike (Karen) Armstrong of Fairway, Kansas.  He leaves a legacy of eleven grandchildren; Jason, Jamey, Jessica, Jennifer, Jacob, Ashley, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Patrick, Daniel and Ian; eleven great grandchildren, Lara, Teisha, Annabelle, Bintou, Liam, Finn, Cooper, Finnley, Coumba, Youssoupha, and Sawyer, along with many other loving nieces, nephews and relatives.

Funeral service will be Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. MDT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland, with pastor Brent Flanders officiating, a private family interment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be Friday, September 22, 2017 from 5 to 9 p.m. MT.  Memorials may be designated to Heifer International and may be left at the service or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS  67735.  Online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com