Merle E. "Duff" Duft, 84, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2013, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. Merle was born April 30, 1929, in Neodesha, Kansas, the son of James Blaine and Myrtle (Hobbs) Duft. He grew up at Neodesha and Fredonia and attended school in Buxton. On November 18, 1950, Merle married Anita D. Helmer in Burlington, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953 being stationed in Germany. Following his discharge from the service, they made their home in Iola. He began working for the Cooperative Electric Power & Light and retired on May 31, 1995 as operations manager for United Electric Cooperative. After retiring, he owned and operated D & D Oil. Duff enjoyed farming and was a member of the Iola American Legion. SURVIVORS: His wife of almost 63 years: Anita Duft of the home 4 Sons: Danny Duft & wife, Lamduan of Leavenworth, KS, Dennis Duft & wife, Trenda of Fredonia, KS, Kim Duft of Iola, KS and Ken Duft of Admire, KS 1 Sister: Virginia Millis of Neodesha, KS 1 Brother: Don Duft of Fredericksburg, VA 7 Grandchildren: Danny Duft, Jr., Janet Quinn, Jaime Mueller, Ryan Duft, Cody Duft, Justin Duft & Joshua Duft 5 Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS MEMORIAL CHOICES: Parkinson's Foundation or Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.