Merton "Mert" O. McIlvain Jr., 82, of Kansas City, MO., passed away Dec. 16, 2010 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Mert was born Sept. 12, 1928 in Omaha, NE., to Merton O. Sr. and Margaret McIlvain.
He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1945, attended Rockhurst University in Kansas City and graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1951 with a degree in Business. He completed some post-graduate work at Kansas State University where he enjoyed time on stage, starring in several theater productions. Mert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star. He was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Rho National Honorary Radio-Television Fraternity and spent his career in the broadcasting business working at several radio stations throughout Kansas, most notably WREN and WIBW in Topeka, KS. In 1993, Mert was blessed to re-connect with Pat McDonald and they were married on May 6, 1995. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Raytown, MO., where his bold voice made him a favorite commentator among the parish.
Those who knew Mert well will always remember him for his kind and gentle heart, considerable sense of humor, positive outlook on life and tremendous love for his family. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
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