HOISINGTON — Edson Lewis Merlau, 86, passed away Nov. 15, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born on Sept. 13, 1939, in Coldwater, Mich., to Eli Pierson and Marjorie Opeal (Neal) Merlau. On Nov. 5, 1964, he married Melva Jean Donovan in Hoisington, Kan. She passed on Feb. 10, 2005.

A longtime resident of Hoisington, Edson worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad. Prior to his career, he served the country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. Edson was a former member of Vine United Methodist Church and current member of First United Methodist Church. Edson enjoyed time spent riding his motorcycle.

Survivors include three sons, Rondy Merlau and Barbara Kieffer of Wichita, Virgil Merlau of Wichita, and Jerry Merlau of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Anita Merlau of Clearwater, Fla.; brother, Cecil Leister and wife Sheri of Temple, Texas; 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Mary Lyne Grandclair; and a grandson, Ryan Merlau.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10th, 2025, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Daniel Vanderburg presiding. Memorials have been designated to the American Legion Post #286 or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 29, 2025