Merton Youmans

Merton Youmans age 85 of Walhalla, ND died on Monday, August 8, 2005, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla, ND. Visitation at church for one hour before services. Burial in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.
James Merton Youmans was born October 24, 1919, at Walhalla, ND to Amos and Ann (Crippen) Youmans. He grew up and attended school at Walhalla, and graduated from Walhalla High School in 1940. After graduation he drove a bulk oil semi truck until entering the service in 1943. While serving in the U.S. Army - Air Force he was a gunner on a B-24 airplane. After his discharge he returned to Walhalla.
On June 10, 1948, he married Loretta Gagnon at Walhalla. They ran the Lorrayne Café for a couple years. In 1951, he started his career as an ag pilot in Cooperstown, ND where he worked for 40 years. He was also a pilot in Pine Bluff, AR and Altus, OK.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta; children, Ronald Youmans, Walhalla, ND; and Sheila Fracasso, Neche, ND; grandchildren, Joe and Amanda Fracasso, Theresa Pederson and Ronald Youmans, Jr., great grandchildren, Jammi Rae Fracasso and Christian and Crimson Pederson.
Merton was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Nellie White, Laura Dame, and Ethel Youmans, and brothers, Vernon and Clarence Mernice Youmans.
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Brian Bachmeier
Casket Bearers: Mike Belanus, Dale Dalzell, Neil Dame, Bert Johnson, Lyle Johnson, Eddie Karel, Floyd Lafferty, Jack Soeby, and Allan Storey
Military Rites by the Bartlette-Resler Post #62, Walhalla American Legion
Muisc: Bernadine Kopf, Organist and Connie Eagan, Soloist