Merwin L. Bumgarner

Merwin Leo Bumgarner, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away Saturday February 12, 2022 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2022 at McLaren’s with a private interment at Resthaven Cemetery.

Merwin was born August 17, 1929 to Van and Fannie (Chase) Bumgarner as the twin to sister and best friend, Marjorie “Marge” in Garden Grove, Iowa on his grandparents’ farm. On the eve of the Great Depression, times were difficult. Merwin spent his first months sleeping in a dresser drawer in a farmhouse with no indoor plumbing or electricity. These experiences would later form his determination and strength of character. He attended a one room schoolhouse and later graduated from Corydon High School.

He served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean war stationed in Germany. His neat penmanship and typing ability landed him an office position. Upon his return from the war Merwin married Elizabeth Jack on August 15, 1953. He attended AIB in Des Moines and worked his entire career with Ryun, Givens & Company as an accountant. He loved family trips to Colorado, woodworking, reading any western novel he could find, and golf which he continued to enjoy up until his passing. His grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss his famous chocolate chip cookies. He was a friend and neighbor to many, never too busy to lend a helping hand.

Merwin is survived by his children, Terri Turner, Todd Bumgarner, and Wendy (Scott) Falk; grandchildren, Michael (Sara) Lammers, Jeremy (Megan) Misner, Aubrey (Richard) Kovalak, Andy Bumgarner, Ben (Elise) Falk, Megan (Stuart) Vander Velde; great grandchildren, Colton Lambertz, Carter Lammers, Caden Misner and Finley Falk; sister-in-law, Barbara (Bill) Ponder; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 53 years, Elizabeth; brother, Olin; sister, Luella; twin sister, Marge; three sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; son-in-law, Bob Turner; a niece and nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Iowa Honor Flight or Retrieving Freedom Inc.