Merrill “Mert” J. Sauvain, 88, passed away April 7, 2019 in Ellsworth. He was born August 21, 1930 in Morganville, KS to John and Georgia (Ostrander) Sauvain.

Merrill married Phyllis Linquist in Clay Center on July 11, 1955. He was a welder for Northern Natural Gas for over 30 years. He also served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Merrill was an avid sportsman, especially enjoying hunting, fishing, and golfing, passing his interest in those hobbies to his sons.

Merrill is survived by his wife, Phyllis Sauvain of Ellsworth; son, William “Bill” Sauvain of Superior, NE; son, Rex Sauvain of Salina; son, Rick Sauvain (Teresa) of Ellsworth; grandson, Chad Sauvain of St. Peters, MO; and sister-in-law, Pat Sauvain of Holt, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randall “Randy” Sauvain; sister, Jean Peterson; brother, Walley Sauvain; brother, Niles Sauvain; and daughter-in-law, Mary Sauvain.

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with family present from 12-1:00 p.m.

Funeral service: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Parsons Funeral Home with burial following in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ellsworth County Medical Center, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.