Merrill A. Joslin

Merrill A. Joslin of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 20th, 2013, surrounded by his family at St. Luke’s Hospital, South. He was born on July 28th, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri to Opal N. and Merrill A. Joslin, Sr.

Merrill served in the United States Navy during WWII as a radioman/gunner and flew off of the aircraft carrier USS Essex in the Pacific theater. For his actions during the war, he was awarded the US Navy Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return to Kansas City after his service, he married Ruth Nadine Bell, and they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary prior to her passing.

He is survived by daughter Pamela Wormsley (Wayne), son Jack Joslin, son Joel Joslin (Barbara), and son Kirk Joslin (Deborah). His children gave him eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A younger sister, Patricia Steiner, and her family reside in Wichita, Kansas.

Merrill remarried Helen Franke who passed in 2001. His second family included “inherited daughters” Lisa Holderman (William) and Kim Lemar (Ron), and their families, who he loved dearly.

During his last years, Sheila Riffer was a great source of comfort and companionship. The family is grateful.

Mr. Joslin was a graduate of the University of Kansas City (UMKC), earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with honors. After management positions with Hallmark Cards and Trans World Airlines, he joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co. (KPMG) where he became the Partner in Charge of Management Consulting. His career spanned more than two decades in this role, retiring in 1984. He acted as Chairman of the Board of Packaging Products Corporation until 2006. His work was the passion of his life besides his family.

Merrill was associated with numerous charitable and civic organizations, a hallmark of his life. Those included the Rehabilitation Institute, United Community Services, The Shepherd’s Center, and Faith Village, serving each as a board member, director, or in other official capacities. He was a 40 year member of the AICPA and the Missouri State Society of CPA’s, and a director of the Kansas City chapter of the National Association of Accountants.

Mr. Joslin received the Oscar D. Nelson award for his many humanitarian contributions and an award of appreciation for his dedicated work as the President, both from The Rehabilitation Institute.

He will be missed.

Cremation. A private family memorial service is planned to honor Merrill’s life, love, and generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Nadine Joslin Emergency Assistance Fund at The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO or the Helen Franke Joslin Scholarship Fund at St. Teresa’s Academy of Kansas City, MO. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.