www.MeM.com

Merle passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Edmond, OK at age 72. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
He was born in Blue Earth, MN on Nov. 28, 1935 then moved to Washington where he graduated from Dayton High School in 1953. He was a heavy weapons infantryman in the US Army. Merle attended Washington State and graduated from San Jose State in 1960 where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He completed his Masters degree from SJSU in 1972.
Merle served as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation for Mountain View, CA and Director of Parks and Recreation in Cupertino, CA. He worked at the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and International Softball Federation (ISF) for nearly 30 years. Merle saw his dream come true when softball was finally included in the 1996 Olympics Games, where he has continued to serve as Umpire-in-Chief.
Preceded in death by first wife of 36 years, Betty Jane Butler.
Merle is survived by his wife Deby of 10 years, daughter Kathy McDermott (husband Mike) of San Jose, CA, daughter Suzie Bentley (husband Steve) of San Jose, CA, son Jim Butler (wife Susan) of Menlo Park, CA, and grandchildren Lauren & Devon McDermott, Amy & Alexa Bentley, and Devan Manuel.