MERRELLS, Robert Dorsey

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, January 13, 2011 Robert Dorsey Merrells, 90, of Flagstaff, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. He was born Aug. 12, 1920, in Mason, W.Va., to Joseph Henry and Lula (Edwards) Merrells. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a prisoner of war for three years in the Philippines and Japan. He was a teacher for the Flagstaff Public Schools and worked at Walnut Canyon National Monument, where he helped build the original steps around the island. He helped build the Sunshine Rescue Mission and the Indian Bible College. The Sunshine Rescue Mission men's shelter, Dorsey Manor, is named in his honor. His primary occupation was a minister for the Lord Jesus Christ. He ministered on the Reservation and later at the Bellemont Indian Church and 50 years at the Sunshine Rescue Mission, where he served as a board member. Mr. Merrells is survived by his daughters, Lydia (Roger) Congdon and Rachel Suva; six grandchildren; and sister Lucille Phillips of Florida. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Cornelia Merrells; his parents, Joseph Henry Ortin Merrells and Lula Hill Edwards Merrells; two brothers; and four sisters. A funeral service will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship Church, 208 S. Beaver St., in Flagstaff. Donations can be made in his name to either the Sunshine Rescue Mission or the Indian Bible College. Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@Lozanos-Flagstaff Mortuary.com. Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary is handling arrangements.