Merle Lee Commons
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Merle Lee Commons (“Poppy”), age 94, passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2024. Merle leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family and his country.
A ‘firecracker’ from the start, Merle was born on July 4, 1929, in Lawrence, KS, to Phillip and Mildred Commons. The eldest of five children, he graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, Class of 1947.
Merle grew up during a time of great challenges and triumphs. Answering the call of duty after high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps leaving an indelible mark on his generation through his combat service during the Korean War. Embodying the core values of the Marine Corps: Semper Fi, Merle’s commitment was always faithful.
Concluding his military service as a sergeant, Merle began a dedicated career at FMC – now ICL – spanning from 1954 to 1994, retiring as production coordinator.
Merle’s foremost priority was always his family and friends. He was first married to Mary Mohler with whom he had three children, later divorcing. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Paula, and grew his family with two additional children. Together, on their farm West of Lawrence, they built a life centered around each other, with a focus on working hard and playing hard.
Merle’s passions extended beyond his work, embracing pursuits like hunting, fishing, softball, and waterskiing. Even into his 90s, he found joy intending to his hayfields on hot summer days. In their years as empty nesters, Paula and Merle traveled often. Winters spent on their favorite beaches in Mexico became an annual tradition for many years. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and treasured moments teaching, talking, and working together.
Let us remember a man who lived life to the fullest – may his memory inspire us to embrace hard work, cultivate meaningful connections, and savor the everyday simple pleasures with family. Semper Fi, Merle. May you rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape you so dearly loved.
Merle is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Paula, and siblings Ed Commons of Lawrence, Phyllis Blaylock of Lawrence, and Ron Commons (DeeDee) of Baldwin City, KS. His children James Commons (Barbara) of Newton, KS, Michael Commons (Nancy Rapp) of Nokomis, FL, Christine Commons-Lewis (Fritz Esperance) of Lawrence, KS and Brian Commons of Lawrence, KS carry forward his legacy. Merle also leaves his love with grandchildren Kirsten Muncy (Chad), CD Pike, Sarah Hyde (Eric), Samantha DiBrito (Ryan), Dustin Commons, Alyson Commons, Elizabeth Lewis and Phillip Commons as well as 17 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Mildred Commons, brother Marvin Commons, Brother-in-Law Gene Blaylock, Sister-in-Law Vivian Commons and great-great granddaughter Adrianna.
Services to be held at Warren-McElwain Mortuary at 120 W 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044 on Friday, January 26, 2024. Visitation will be held from 2:00 ~ 3:00 p.m., with a Memorial service starting at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Merle’s name to the Elara Caring Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
JIM and Mike, so sorry about Merle. One tough man.He lived a full life doing what he wanted. Semper Fi
Paula, and all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Merle was a great man, enjoyed working with him at FMC and one strong Marine. He was a true inspiration to everyone.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Ron & DeeDee, as well as the rest of Merle’s Family. It was a Blessing that Merle lived a full life, enjoying Family and hobbies. loved ones is never easy. His Children and generations of Grandchildren are his legacy. He left memories for each of you to cherish…
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I am very deeply sorry for your loss. He will be so missed by so many. Merle was a real class act and a treasure to his family and friends.
Semper Fi
So sorry to hear about your husband, Merle. My thoughts and prayers are going to you and all your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed Merle at the plant and thank you for your service! May God grant you and your family comfort during these times.
We’re grateful for the blessing of being neighbors and friends of Merle & Paula for decades. We’ll cherish fond memories of Merle
So sorry got your loss. Thought and prayers to all.
Rest in peace Merle. My family have been friends since I can remember. That would be the 60’s. We use to live in the same neighborhood with the commons. I had the pleasure of also working at FMC with him as well as Mike and Paula. And also remember Theresa commons as well. All of which I consider good friends. Merle always treated me very well and very much appreciated my contributions to the planning of maintenance and construction projects at FMC. He was one of the lead men in maintenance. My perspectives were from an operational standpoint. I believe that Merle always felt that even though I didn’t work in the maintenance dept. my suggestions, ideas and overall contributions were no less important. That means a lot. He was one of those guys you say to yourself when he retires “ hope he has a good retirement but really hate to see him go.” And mean it. One of my early memories of him was when my family lived in the same neighborhood he and his wife also lived in back in the 60’s. He and his family would open up their home for any neighborhood friends that needed shelter during a tornado warning. Why ? They were the only people in the neighborhood that had a cool basement. That was the “cool” house. That’s just the graciousness he showed for others. That’s just who he was. Mom and Dad were good friends before my sister Vicki and I came along. So it’s just Vicki and I now and we would like to say thankyou Merle Commons for being a family friend and thankyou for your service to our country . We need more men like you in this confusing crazy world we live in today. Hooah! Soldier. George, Barbara Goff and family , Vicki and John miller and family.
Sorry for your and family loss! I know he was a great man and will be so Missed!
Paula We are so sorry to hear of Merle’s death. We remember as we drove by going home many days in the summer ,seeing him out in the hot sun mowing, putting up hay or whatever else he saw needed to be done. He was truly a hard worker and a gentleman’s gentleman!
Sorry for your loss, Mike, and all other family and friends. Prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Paula, Mary and I are so sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and the family!
Paula so sorry to hear about Merle, what a great guy to have known – many memories from working at FMC – take care of yourself
Dear Paula, My heart is broken for you and your great loss. May the Lord bless you with peace & comfort.