Merl E. Beagle went to live with Jesus on Jan. 17, 2007.

He was born in Portland, Ore., Jan. 13, 1921. He grew up in Ashland, Ore.

During World War II Merl served in the Philippines and Okinawa. He suffered a near fatal wound and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

After the war he was in business with his brother, Mel, until he was called to the Christian ministry in 1958. He earned a degree in 1961 from Puget Sound Christian College, then went on to get a master’s degree from Lincoln (Illinois) Christian Seminary.

In 1953 Merl married Emma Dean Hinson, who survives him. They became the parents of five children.

Merl held pastorates in Illinois and the Puget Sound area until 1978, when he became business manager of Puget Sound Christian College. In 1999 Merl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and moved to Whidbey Island to be near family.

He is survived by his wife and five children; Debby (Joe) Elwell, Wendy (Bob) Imbery, Stephen Beagle, Chris Beagle, and David (Heather) Beagle; five grandchildren; Ryan, Jacob, and Eli Imbery, Evan Elwell, and Campbell Dean Beagle; and one brother, Melvin (Nella) Beagle.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Filipino/American Christian Church, 14800 First Avenue NE in Shoreline.

Memorials may be made to Puget Sound Christian College.