Merle H. Rouse, 81, of Franklin, passed away Monday, January 18, 2010.

Born in Elm Creek, NE, he was the son of the late Jay Rouse and Grace Johnson Rouse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Peden and a brother, Ardell Rouse. Merle graduated from Union College in Lincoln, NE. He served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 40 years in education and pastoring. His last assignment before retiring in 1993 was pasturing for 8 years at the Franklin Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Thomas Rouse; three children, Stan M. Rouse of Syracuse, NY, Byron D. Rouse of Langdon, NH and Gary Rouse of Wingate, NC; two sister, Wilma Gromer of Ft. Bragg, CA and Dorothy Huenergardt of Apopka, FL; a brother, Raymond Rouse of Avon Park, FL; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor John Seaman will officiate.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.