Toms, Merrill Frank 91, a lover of books, a world traveler and a teller of stories who lit up every dinner party within reach, died in Edina, Minn., on Aug. 13, 2020. Merrill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elisabeth (Verleye), daughter Vanessa (Doug) Glass, grandchildren Colin and Elinor, sister Clyda (Wally) Lange, brothers Warren (Karen), John (Marlene) and Kyle (Janice) and many nieces and nephews. Born in Kansas City, Mo., to Annabelle Matlock & Cedric Durfee Toms, Merrill was the fourth of 10 children. He was preceded in death by brothers Howard (Marian, Velma), Gerald (Sally), Ronald (Verna), Dale (Gayle) and infant brother Lloyd. A memorial service is expected in Kansas City in spring 2021. GILLBROTHERS.com MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612-861-6088