Merle Martin Albright, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on the morning of October 16, 2016 at the age of 90 years, 6 months and 21 days.
Merle was born on March 25, 1926 in Hartley, Iowa. He was the second child and only son born to Welthy (Gable) and Freeman Albright. During Merle’s early years, he attended and graduated from Hartley schools. The family raised cattle on their farm, “Rightway Stock Farms.” Merle was a member of 4-H, where he showed cattle in Spencer, Iowa. His love for horses started early. He always had a pony growing up. Merle attended Iowa State College for two years and studied agriculture. On January 30, 1945, he enlisted in the military.
Merle met the love of his life on a blind date. Prior to the date, Merle snuck a glimpse of Joan before he agreed to the outing. Merle and Joan communicated through letters while he was enlisted in the military. On January 28, 1951, Merle and Joan Albright were united in marriage. They lived on their farm in Hartley, Iowa and during that time, they were blessed with three sons: Scott Martin, Brian Jay and Ricky Jo.
Merle was the territorial manager for Murphy Feed Sales and Moorman Feeds. He worked for Harvester Silo Systems out of Orange City, Iowa before retiring to Milford and selling Garst Seed Corn. Merle enjoyed many trips out west with his son Brian – especially their many visits to the flower valley of Grand Tetons in Wyoming.
Merle was adventurous and enjoyed raising horses, woodworking, watching basketball and fishing. He was bluntly honest, hardworking and strict, yet he was a friendly man.
Left to cherish his memory are his three sons, Scott Albright of Mankato, Minnesota, Brian and (Marie) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Rick Albright of Waterloo, Iowa; his sister, Virginia Pflanz of Sioux City, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Chad, Shawn, Matt, Brook, Chelsea, Seth, Mandy and Ashley and 11 great-grandchildren, Kalea, Teagan, Jase, Katie, Shawna, Trent, Jaxon, Chloe, David, Cash and Kodi. Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Welthy and Freeman Albright; his sister, Gloria Lux, and his wife of 65 years, Jo. After eight months and 25 days apart, the two are now reunited in Heaven. Services are pending for Merle and Joan Albright and will be announced at a later date.
FRENCH – Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
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