Memorial services for Merton A. “Mert” Waller will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002, at Burley Funeral Chapel with Pastor David Veach officiating. Cremation will follow with private family inurnment to follow at a later date.

Mert Waller died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002, from complication of an extended illness. Mr. Waller was born on Fathers Day, June 19, 1927, in Everett to Merton W. and Lois (Thompson) Waller.

Mr. Waller was graduated from Everett High School in 1945, where he was an outstanding athlete. He was the first Everett High School student to letter in five varsity sports and was named to the all-state basketball team at the conclusion of his senior year.

Mert served a short stint with the U. S. Navy at the end of World War II and then continued his education at Everett Community College. He played baseball and basketball at ECC. He completed his education at the University of Puget Sound, earning his bachelors of arts and teaching degrees and playing basketball. He was married to the former Jeanne Turco in Everett in 1949.

Mr. Waller began his teaching and coaching career in Dryden in 1951, them moved to Coupeville in 1952. He also served as principal for one year. He moved to Oak Harbor in 1956, where he taught history and coached until retirement in 1981.

Much of Mr. Waller’s life revolved around athletics. His primary focus was as varsity basketball coach at the three schools, but he also coached football, baseball, track, cross-country, girls’ basketball and softball at various times. He was the Oak Harbor High School athletic director for six years.

Mert’s coaching went beyond the school walls. He spearheaded the beginning of youth basketball and football in Oak Harbor and coached youth baseball. He served on the North Whidbey Athletic Commission for many years and volunteered as a scorekeeper, announcer, spotter and timer for many school events. Last month he was honored by District I of the state of Washington for his lifetime of service to school, youth and community athletics.

Mert was a member of the Washington Education Association and the National Education Association, the American Legion, George Morris Post No. 129 and the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge No. 2362.

Mr. Waller is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne of Oak Harbor; by four children and their spouses: Michael and Susan Waller and their children, Jeff and Kate of Oak Harbor; Jim and Sandee and their children Brett, Bryce and Brooks also of Oak Harbor; Wendy and Mike Muzzall and their children John and David of Cle Elum and Kay and Rich Maltby and stepson Richard of Seattle. Remembrances can be made to the Oak Harbor Baseball Association in care of Whidbey Island Bank.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. This obituary may be seen on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.