Merrill Vernon Perry was born April 7, 1932, in the guest bedroom at the family farm 7 miles northwest of Prescott, IA. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1949, Tarkio College in 1953 and received a master's degree from Drake University.

In the summer of 1961, Merrill and his family moved to Mt. Ayr, IA, where he developed a very successful band program. He was known as the "Old Band Man" even when he was young. His bands earned numerous First Place Awards in Concert & Marching Band events. His students earned dozens of "1" ratings. Several of his students earned the honor of performing in the Iowa All State Band & Chorus, including his daughter Lesa. He was one of the first band directors in Iowa to start a Jazz Band.

In 1984 Merrill resigned from the Mt. Ayr School after 29 years of teaching. He then became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau for 9 years until poor health forced him to retire. After retirement he began a hobby of making lamps from old musical instruments.

Merrill was always active in community affairs, serving 2 terms as City Councilman & 1 term as Mayor. He was active in many organizations during the 38 years he lived in Mt. Ayr, including the Lions Club, American Legion, Sheriff's Posse, Masons, Ringgold Singers, & Methodist Men. He as also an original member of the Jolly Boys Club.

Merrill was an avid outdoors man & loved to fish & hunt. This was one of the things that kept him in Ringgold County.

Merrill is survived by his wife Susan; a daughter Lesa Nuri of Oskaloosa; a son David and wife Lisa of Maryville, MO; 2 stepsons, Mike Avitt of Des Moines and Mark Avitt of Lewisville, TX; 7 grandchildren, 3 brothers.