Merle DeWayne Wait, 93, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Protection Valley Manor in Protection, KS.  Born October 9, 1927, at the family farm east of Protection, KS, he was the son of John and Minnie Esther (Sinkle) Wait.

Merle was a farmer and a lifetime resident of Protection, KS.  He graduated from Protection High School in 1945 and attended Kansas University.  He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953.

Merle was a founder of The Bank of Protection, serving as President and later Chairman of the Board.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Protection, KS.  Other memberships include: Gideons International; U.S.D. #300 School Board for 23 years; 60 year member of Masonic Lodge and Midian Shrine; Comanche County Hospital Board; Protection Valley Manor Board; and Soil Conservation Board.

On October 15, 1950, he married Jo Ann Bramlett at Ulysses, KS.  She preceded him in death on October 14, 2000.  On May 15, 2004, he married Arlene Butts at Protection, KS.  She preceded him in death on January 14, 2012.  On January 19, 2013, he married Wanda Booth at Protection, KS.  She preceded him in death on December 22, 2020.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Maxine Huck, Ruth Smitherman, and Doris Riner; and one brother: John Wait, Jr.

Merle is survived by three daughters: Brenda Martin (Rick) of Protection, KS, Candy Murphy (Tom) of Protection, KS, and Elaine Phillips (Jeff) of Arkansas City, KS; one son: Merle Wait, Jr. (Jacki) of Fort Worth, TX; twelve grandchildren: Rustin Martin (Lindsey), Kelby Martin (Becca), Brandon Martin, Joe Murphy (Hilary), Doug Murphy, Jennifer McClure (Jake), Ben Murphy (Tracy), Sheldon Sanders (Christina), Kelli Wait, Lora Wait, Melissa Wait, and Andi Wait; three step-grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Protection, KS, with Pastor Trever Ball presiding.  Burial will follow at the Protection Cemetery in Protection, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gideons International, Protection First Baptist Church, or Protection Valley Manor in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.