Merle Allen Waggoner, 75, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Reflections Memory Care in Holts Summit, Missouri.
Merle was born on July 11, 1951, in Wellington, Kansas, the son of the late Jesse and Alice (Leonard) Waggoner. He graduated from Tyrone High School in Tyrone, Oklahoma, in 1969 and attended Western Technical College in Denver, Colorado, graduating in 1970.
On June 12, 1971, Merle was united in marriage to Betty Colgin in Tyrone, Oklahoma. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage filled with family, travel and many wonderful memories.
Merle worked for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, for 38 years. During his career, he worked as a drop hammer operator, jig builder and tooling liaison.
Merle had a love for life and enjoyed staying active. He was a devoted Oklahoma Sooners football fan and held season tickets for 32 years. He played soccer and proudly coached his three children’s teams. He also enjoyed snow skiing, running 5Ks and half-marathons, and traveling with his wife. One of their greatest adventures was visiting all 50 states.
Merle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit and the many lives he touched throughout the years.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; two sons, Dereck of Madison, Wisconsin, and Jered Dru (Serena) of Middlesex, New York; and daughter, Melissa (Jason) Jones of Jefferson City, Missouri. Merle and Betty were also guardians to two daughters, Tiffanie (Marcel) Aslund of Colomiers, France, and Amanda Standifer of Jefferson City, Missouri.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, nine bonus grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with extended family and many friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jesse David, Bobby; and sister, Shirley Bongiorni.
Celebration of Merle’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation.
Merle’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO, 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com.