Complications of Diabetes - December 4, 2007

Merrill Gene Schweppe, 60, of Las Vegas, passed away Dec. 4, 2007, of complications from 42 years living with diabetes.

He was born Nov. 17, 1947, in Webster City, Iowa to James Walter Schweppe and Margaret Annette (McKim). He was raised in Iowa on the family farm, Phoenix and Flagstaff, Ariz., and Needles, Calif., moving to Las Vegas 1960. He graduated Las Vegas High School 1965.

He received degrees from UNLV, associates 1970, bachelors 1995, masters in civil engineering, and was working on his doctorate. He worked as a geo technical engineer for EN Engineering, surveying at the NV Test Site for Holmes and Narver, Inc. and Safeway Stores.

Merrill loved fishing, hunting and camping, and spending time in Utah. His love for his nephews was immeasurable; he adored and loved spending time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother. He is survived by his sister, Rose Anna Cirac; brother, Elliott (Linda) Schweppe; nephews, James and Douglas Schweppe.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 5542 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas, NV 89148.