Obituaries

Merrill Ernest McCuddin, son of Ernest James McCuddin and Wilma Louise (McIntosh) McCuddin was born April 18, 1931 in New Virginia, Iowa and passed from this life June 20, 2012 at Kavanagh House on 56th in Des Moines, Iowa at 81 years of age.


Merrill graduated from New Virginia High School and was a plumber. He worked for Natural Gas Pipeline Co. and American Louisiana Pipeline Co. in Michigan where he was injured in an accident. He then worked at L.H. Kurtz Co. Merrill's first business was Mac's Recreation Center followed by New Virginia Laundry, A&M Plumbing & Heating and A&M Service. Merrill enjoyed carpentry and woodworking; he built 14 houses, remodeled 4 houses and built a duplex and the Manor building. Merrill never missed the State Fair and had a booth at the fair. Other interests were fishing, hunting and genealogy. Merrill loved to travel and enjoyed his winters in Lake Havasu City. He enjoyed family gatherings and loved to organize them. Merrill was a proud and loving son, husband, father and grandfather.


Merrill was first married to Virginia Ransom, and they were parents of three daughters and one son. He was united in marriage to Arleen Kay Haines on November 30, 1962 in New Virginia; and three sons blessed this union. He was a member of New Virginia United Methodist Church and served on the building committee of the new church. He also served on the Virginia Manor Corporation and the Virginia Township Fire Department.


Relatives who preceded Merrill in death were his parents; daughter, LoRae Louise McCuddin; grandson, Dustin McCuddin; and great grandson, Samuel Gwinn.


Merrill leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of over 49 years, Arleen McCuddin of New Virginia; sons, David (Heidi) McCuddin of Pleasant Hill, Michael (Jami) McCuddin of New Virginia, Bruce (Maryann) McCuddin of New Virginia, Stacy (Cathy) McCuddin of Ames; daughters, Deborah Lohmann of New Virginia, Melody Hills of New Virginia; 15 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sisters, Gwendolyn (Frank) Ayala of Beaumont, CA, Louise Ivener of Sioux City; as well as other relatives and many friends.