Merlin E. Warnecke, 87, a lifelong Uniontown, WA resident, died Oct. 30, 2016 at his Uniontown home. Merlin was born to John & Helen (Hehl) Warnecke on August 2, 1929 in Uniontown, WA. He grew up in Uniontown and attended school there and in Colton. On June 5, 1950 Merlin married Madeline Kremer in Colton, WA. Together they made their home on the family farm near Uniontown where he farmed most of his life. Merlin served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 spending one year in Korea, during the Korean War. Merlin supplemented the farm income over the years as a television repairman, working at WSU, and owned the Uniontown hardware store from 1966 to 1969. He was always an active member of the community serving on the board of directors for the Uniontown Co-op. Merlin was a member of the Uniontown American Legion as well as a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. He enjoyed time spent with family especially working with his three sons. Merlin enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, as well as conversation and coffee whenever the opportunity presented itself. Merlin also developed a great fondness for all the family pets through the years, and even spoiled the barn cats. Merlin is survived by his three sons Gary of Clarkston; Steve (Lynnette) of Pullman; Mike (Laura) on the farm outside Uniontown; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and best friend Madeline Warnecke; two sisters Teresa Kraut and Sylvia Kraut and one brother Ermin Warnecke. The Vigil service will be held at 7 PM on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Uniontown. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, Nov 12, 2016 at St. Boniface. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Please join Merlin's family for a reception following the graveside service at the Uniontown Community Hall. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to the EMT's of Colton and Uniontown, PO Box 51, Colton, WA. 99113 and to the St. Boniface Catholic Church Endowment.
