Merle Krug, 92, longtime Burden, Kansas resident, passed away Friday evening, September 25, 2026, at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, Kansas.

Born March 12, 1934, on a farm outside of Atlanta, Kansas, he was the son of Joseph Adam and Lillie Lavina (McCaw) Krug. He was raised and received his education in Atlanta. He then joined the United States Marine Corp and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He remained in the service for over seven years, receiving the rank of Staff Sergeant, before receiving an honorable discharge.

He was united in marriage to Geneva Montgomery on September 30, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas. The couple made their first home in Texas. In 1968, they moved to Burden, Kansas. Merle worked several jobs including working for the county, welding trailers, training race horses, and working as Presiding Steward at Eureka Downs. He also served on the Burden Fair Board as Vice President over racing and was on the Central USD 462 School Board. Merle and Ronnie Whiteman went into business together operating D&W Well Service and later starting Gen-Dor Oil Company, a business they would operate until Merle retired.

He was a member of the Winfield Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing, horse racing, dancing, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Merle is survived by his wife Geneva of Overbrook; his daughters, Debra (Steven Kontour) Rising of Augusta; Tisha (Bob) Hug of Carbondale; his brothers, Norman Krug of Winfield; Carroll “Bunny” (Darlene) Krug of Cambridge; his grandchildren, Lucas (Kelsie) Krug, Lane (Megan) Krug, Austin (Ali) Rising, Ryan (Bobbi) Rising, Sadie (Rodney) Derstein; and his great grandchildren, Rihanna, Phoenix, Evangeline, Seraphina, Celestia, Clara, Roddy, Remington, and Mavrick.

In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his son Merle Wade “Henny” Krug, three brothers, Harold, J.R., and Victor, and a sister Beverly Schnurr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Winfield Church of Christ building. Interment will be held at the Atlanta Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Merle’s name for the Winfield Church of Christ. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.