10/12/2005
Merle Roy Harrington was born September 5, 1945, the son of Forest and Jean Harrington of Harvey, Iowa. He received his elementary and high school education in Knoxville, Iowa, graduating in 1963.
He worked at Van Gorp Manufacturing in Pella for two years.
On Aug. 20, 1965, he married Jolene Jordan of Knoxville. They enjoyed and shared 40 years of marriage and have three children, who they are very proud of, Michael, Matthew, and Rhoni Jo.
Merle entered the U.S. Navy, serving for four
years, from January 1966 through December 1969. He made three West Pacific tours during this period. He received an honorable discharge and a National Defense medal.
Subsequent to this, he began working for the State of Iowa.
Later he was employed by the City of Knoxville as a police officer for approximately four years. Merle continued his formal education with law enforcement training and
attended Simpson College for two years.
In 1974, he began employment at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Knoxville, working there as a V.A. police officer and then entering engineering service, where he was a carpenter and later supervisor of the carpenters, painters, locksmiths, masons, and the grounds and transportation unit. He retired in Jan. 2000, after over 29 years of service.
Merle started a new career with DDVI (Denis Della Vedova), a General Contractor out of Albia, working for five years as a finish carpenter at various project locations. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Knoxville, the past Master of Oriental Lodge #61 A.F. & A.M., Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 85, and the American Legion.
He enjoyed woodworking tremendously worked at gardening and yard work and enjoyed spending time helping and visiting with his children and their families.
He passed away on Oct 12, 2005. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Jolene; son, Mike (Patty) Harrington of Milo; son, Matt Harrington of Knoxville; daughter, Rhoni Jo (Chad) Barnes of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren; father, Forest Harrington Sr. of Harvey; sister, Sharon (Arland) Jolly of Pleasantville;
twin brother, Merrill (Barb) Harrington of Pleasant Hill, brother, Frosty Jr. (Rose Ann) Harrington of Knoxville; and brother-in-law, Daryl (Connie) Jordan of Knoxville.
He also leaves behind many relatives, friends, and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Harrington.
On Oct. 16 Eastern Star and Masonic services were conducted by the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 85 and Oriental Lodge No.
61 A.F. & A.M. Funeral services were held on Oct. 17 with Minister Dale Blanshan officiating. 
Interment was in Lincoln Cemetery in rural Knoxville with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy, American Legion Baty-Tucker Post No.168, and the V.F.W. John Myers Post No. 3519.
Memorials may be made to the family, Hospice of Pella, or the American Cancer Society.