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Merle Stillions Obituary
Merle C. Stillions, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on January 20, 2015 in his home from complications with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Dr. Stillions was born February 15, 1929 in Bedford, Indiana to Calvin and Ilene Hawkins Stillions.
After graduating from Shadeland High School in Indiana, he served in the Army during the Korean War. Upon his return he married Carolyn Heemstra in 1953 and entered Purdue University graduating with his bachelors and master degrees in Animal Science in 1958. Merle and Carolyn moved to New Jersey where Merle received his PhD in Nutrition and Biochemistry from Rutgers University. Dr. Stillions was then a professor at California State University at Chico prior to moving to Topeka, KS where he worked at Theracon developing prescription diets for animals. In 1972 the family moved to Ithaca, NY where he became director for the Agway Research Center. After retirement, in 1992, Merle was a consultant for several companies in the US and Ireland, continuing to develop animal diets until he was 80 years old. With his nutritional knowledge, he helped his sons (Neal and Mark) develop Pine Tree Farms, a wild bird food manufacturing business in Interlaken, NY.
Merle was involved in numerous professional science and community organizations. He was an active member and Elder of the Presbyterian Church. Merle enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, gardening and his heated garage to work on machines. Most of all he enjoyed his family gatherings at his home and on Cayuga Lake.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter Beth Hupe (Dennis) Perry, Ks.; Dr. Keith Stillions (Nancy) Fayetteville, GA.; Neal Stillions (Joelle) Ovid, NY.; Mark Stillions (Michelle Griego) Trumansburg, NY and Dr. Duane Stillions, Washington, DC; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Always a researcher, Dr. Stillions donated his brain for research to help find a cure for PSP. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Foundation for PSP/CBD and Related Brain Diseases; 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201 Timonium, MD 21093 or at www.curepsp.org.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Stillions
May 13, 2015
My late husband, Dr. Donald Mather, thought so much of Merle while we were all at Purdue in 1959, that I wanted you to know that I still remember his name and that Don thought so much of him. My thoughts are with you and his family. Zoe Mather
Louise Adie
March 3, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Merle's passing. He will always be shining his bright light from the heavens to our little world down here. I love and miss you, Merle. My thoughts are with you Carolyn, after this long trial for you both. Bless you all.
Pat Parkin
January 31, 2015
Neal, Joelle, & Stillions family. So sorry to hear of the loss of Merle. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Linda and Bill Brinkmann
January 30, 2015
For the Stillions Family,
Bill and I extend our sincerest condolences to you. I am glad I met him.
I'm sure his legacy will live on in many forms.
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January 28, 2015
Our Sympathy and condolences to you all
Jerry Housworth and Family
Maggie and Jim Updike
January 28, 2015
To all the Stillions, we were so saddened to hear of Merle's passing. He always had a helping hand and welcoming smile!!
The Littles
January 27, 2015
To Carolyn and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We are blessed to have known Merle. He is in God's hands now.
Marsha Stickane
January 27, 2015
The Stillions family. You have my sympathy and prayers. "D" R" was a great man. Working with him at Agway was a blessing. He will be missed. May your memories help you heal
Archie Stagg
January 27, 2015
To Neal, Joelle and family, The Stagg family sends our prayers and love to you all. I remember how warm and friendly he treated me when I first met him helping out building your Cayuga home.
Dan Tome
January 27, 2015
Mark/Neal and the extended Stillions family. -
So sorry to hear of your loss I possess so many memories of working with Dr. while at Agway Tech Center. Wishing you comfort in this most difficult time
January 26, 2015
To the entire Stillons Family. Words can not express how deeply he will be missed. Please know you are all in our saddened hearts. Randy And Linda Smith
January 26, 2015
Dear Carolyn and family.
Our sincere sympathy for your loss.
Merle was a wonderful neighbor and
friend.
John and JoAnn Agard
Trumansburg, NY
lisa parkin
January 26, 2015
Neal and Joelle and Family, Brian and I are so sorry for the loss of your father. God Bless, Brian and Lisa Parkin
Dale Colle
January 25, 2015
Stillions Family my heart goes out to you! You Mrs Stillions and Mr. Stillions treated me like a son too! You have and he had a heart of gold! Love you always! Dale
January 25, 2015
Stillions all, it has been a privilege to know Merle. We all treasure many memories of his generosity, humor, and talents. Milli and Nancy Tubbs
Nancy Sterling
January 25, 2015
It is winter, and we will always enjoy the memories of Merle walking on the crunchy snow (early AM) past our bedroom window to get our tractor to go cut wood!
And then there was the time he dreamed John plowed up his and Carolyn's front yard. He was so mad, even if it was a dream!
So many memories with Carolyn and he being close neighbors on Agard Rd in Trumansburg, NY
we will be writing you, Carolyn. So sorry.
Steven & Karen Beers
January 25, 2015
A good man and a good friend. Our respects to the Stillions family.
K.L. Martin
January 25, 2015
Beth-- Very sorry to hear of Merle's passing. God bless you and your family.
January 25, 2015
Dear Stillions Family -
Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Much love and big hugs from the Kraus Family!
Ken & Peg (Lockwood) Wilczewski
January 24, 2015
Dear Stillions Family -- Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We will always remember Merle for his generous heart, welcoming smile, and warm hug whenever we saw him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Howe
January 24, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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