1930
2011
Merle Richard Gayman, Sr., 81, of Davenport, passed away Friday, December 9, 2011 at Genesis West Medical Center. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:00 am at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8pm at the mortuary and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery in Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Online condolences may be left at www.therungemortuary.com.
Merle was born March 8, 1930, the son of Charles and Lilly (Roenfeldt) Gayman, Sr. On March 26, 1951 he married Shirley Jean Matthews at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Davenport; she preceded him in death on July 27, 2011. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Gayman owned and operated for over fifty years, Merle Gayman & Sons, Inc. Concrete Contractors, along with his sons, Michael and Danny. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also built and maintained the Cedar River Campgrounds near Tipton, IA from 1969 until 1979. He also farmed on the family homestead in Davenport where he was born and raised. His memberships include St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the Davenport Moose Lodge.
Those left to honor his memory include his children: Merle R. (Kathy) Gayman, Jr., Michael L. Gayman Sr., and Danny L. (Sandy) Gayman, all of Davenport; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Donald Gayman, Davenport and a brother-in-law, Terry Matthews, Davenport. His parents, daughter, Karen Gayman, four brothers and a sister preceded him in death.
Merle's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Genesis VNA and the many family and friends of his, for the loving care and support shown to Merle and his family during his illness. Your kindnesses will not be forgotten!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
December 21, 2011
Tami (Starns) McNair
I wanted to express my sorrow to hear of your fathers passing. I actually had seen him recently a few times at the Drs office. Merle and the campgrounds were such a huge part of my childhood, as they were for a group of us that learned how to swim and ride dirt bikes every summer.. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to the visitation I would have loved go see you again. Take care and know your father is remembered by many.
December 12, 2011
Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Though we will not be able to attend we are thinking of you all. Uncle Merle will be missed.
Dave & Dianna Ross
December 12, 2011
Dave Klauer
My prayers go out to the Merle, Mike and Danny and your families. Although a sad day, keep alive Merle's memories everyday in a positive way. I believe he's in heaven enjoying libation and conversation with my father, right now.
Dave Klauer (Henryville, IN)
December 12, 2011
Charlotte Brown
Dear Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on this sad day. Uncle Merle was very special to all of us. God Bless!
December 11, 2011
Betty Spies
My sincere sympathy to Merle's family. My late husband, Allyn Spies, was Merle's cousin and I had the pleasure of seeing him on many occasions over the years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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