Merrill Jacob Basaker, the son of Jacob Earl Basaker and Ila Alice (Thompson) Basaker, was born at Blanchard, IA on February 17, 1927. At the age of four Merrill moved with his family from Blanchard to a farm near Elmo, MO where they lived and farmed for five years. During the Depression his family moved to California for a year and then returned to Blanchard. Prior to high school graduation, Merrill was called into service during World War II. He was inducted into the Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS on May 8, 1945. He served during the Occupation of Japan as a Clerk Typist, preparing discharge papers for soldiers being sent home and as a driver for his Commanding Officer. After being Honorably Discharged home December 21, 1946, Merrill completed his education and graduated from Blanchard Memorial School the following spring.

During his life time Merrill had various occupations. He worked with his father as a house painter and Custodian for Blanchard Memorial School, cared for yards for people in Blanchard, worked as a field hand for numerous farmers in the Blanchard area and surrounding communities and was lastly employed by Mount Arbor Nursery, Shenandoah, IA.

Merrill was a member of the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. He was an excellent cook, enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening, and loved listening to all types of music. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Merrill was a devoted son and brother, providing loving care and oversight for sisters Eva McMahon and Lottie Argabright in their later years. He remained in the family home in Blanchard until heart surgery in 2008 required that he relocate to Forest Park Apartments in Shenandoah. As a result of health issues Merrill entered Elm Heights Care Center in 2011, where he passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015, at the age of 88. The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness and excellent care he received at Elm Heights.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters: Alfreda Thomas, Eva McMahon, Waunita Nuckolls and Lottie Argabright as well as an infant brother, Jimmy Basaker. Survivors include nieces: Carolyn Polsley and husband Jim, Branson, MO; Dale Lynne Ogden and husband, Glenn, Summerfield, NC; Diane Nuckolls, Summerfield, NC; and Denise Davis, Oregon, WI; nephews: Fred Argabright and wife Lynette, Stockton, MO and Danny Nuckolls, Westboro, MO; two gr eat-nieces and three great-nephews and other relatives and friends.

Burial will be in the Blanchard Cemetery at Blanchard, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Shenandoah American Legion Post #88.