Kenneth "Merle" Rath, age 97, died peacefully Tuesday, May 23 in Denver, CO. He was born in Humbolt, KS where he lived until enlisting in the U.S. Army and leaving to fight in WWII. While serving in the Army, he fought in both, North African and Europe and received a Bronze Star for bravery. After returning from the war, he earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas. He then went to work for Skelly Oil Company, which then became Getty Oil Company, and then Texaco Oil Company, from which he retired after more than 30 years of service. Merle was one of the founding members of Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tulsa, and remained active in that faith community throughout his adult life. Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Rath, his son Stanley Lewis, daughter-in-law Ellie Lewis, and sister, Bernice Rath. He is survived by three grandchildren, Ken Lewis, Matt Lewis, and Julie Said; a son-in-law Ron Said; and five great grandchildren. Visitation: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at noon Thursday at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2550 E. 71st St. in Tulsa.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.