Merlin "Merl" Aaron Chamness, 88, Lone Jack, MO, died Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at his home. Funeral services were held Monday, November 20, 2006 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville, MO, officiated by Rev. Henry Green, Cleveland Baptist Church. Burial was in Lone Jack Cemetery, Lone Jack, MO. Casket bearers were Troy Chamness, Harry Harmon, Cody Murphy, Ryan Deich, Dewayne Fritchie and Kent Fritchie. Contributions may be made to Johnson County Hospice Care, Warrensburg, MO.

Merl was born April 23, 1918 in Asbury, MO, the son of Aaron and Mary (Newby) Chamness. He married Lyda Elizabeth Burns on August 19, 1941 in Lone Jack.

Merl came to Lone Jack in 1940 and worked as a farmer. He moved to Drexel in 1955 and returned to Lone Jack in 1970. Merl farmed and raised cattle, hogs and sheep.

Merl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lyda on December 12, 2001 and one grandson, David Chamness on July 1, 2001. He is survived by one son, Robert "Bob" Chamness and his wife, Emma, Drexel, MO; three grandchildren, Donna Murphy, Troy Chamness and Elizabeth Chamness and three great-grandchildren, Cody, Jordon and Ashley Murphy and one foster grandson, Michael Gregory.