Merl Edward Railsback

Railsback, Merl Edward, a 50 year resident of Torrance, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in Torrance. Born on a farm in rural Norton County, Kansas, Merl was 84 when he died. Merl had served in the Air Force during World War II. Merl was a member of South Bay Christian Church. He attended High School in Joes, Colorado, and came to Los Angeles at age 17 where he worked at Lockheed until he was old enough to enlist in the Army-Air Corp in 1943. He was stationed in Guam and flew over Tokyo on VJ Day. Upon returning to the states he attended Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, CO, where he earned a BA and MA in Mathematics. He was a math teacher and principal in Kirk, Colorado (1950-1952); Superintendent of Schools in Grover, CO (1952-1956), and Flagler, Co (1956-1958). In 1958 he was hired by Torrance schools to teach Math at North High School and retired from there in 1986. His greatest loves were his family, cars, and attending the LA Auto Show each year. He is survived by devoted wife of 61 years, Roxie Railsback of Torrance, CA, Daughter, Donna Braly of Torrance, CA, Son, Gary Railsback of San Diego, CA, Grandchildren are Lyle Railsback, Portland, OR; Eric Railsback, Los Angeles; Emily Railsback, Hillsboro, KS; Leah Braly, Long Beach; Elisa Braly, Torrance, and three great grandchildren, Jesse, Kian and Wynter. Surviving siblings are Dorothy Coler, Lincoln, NE; Mavis Ohlson, Cambridge, NE; Maxine Brown, Ogallala, NE; Imogene Davison, Ogallala, NE; Kate Brunner, Tucson, AZ; and Loren Railsback, Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by: Father, John Railsback, Mother, Leona Railsback. A gathering of family & friends will be held at South Bay Christian Church, 128 N. Broadway Ave., Redondo Beach, CA. The Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, January 17. A private family burial service was held at Pacific Crest Cemetery, Redondo Beach.