Merle L. Kuns, 85, died Oct. 28, 2008, at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

He was

born March 9, 1923, in Flora, Indiana, the son of Russell and Gladys Beckner Kuns. He was married to Martha Maxine Albaugh of Flora on Oct. 7, 1944.

After graduation from Flora High School, Dr. Kuns obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and a master's degree in parasitology from Purdue University. Following this, he obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin.

His academic studies were interrupted by service in the U.S. Air Force during World War II in the European theatre. During his time in the Air Force, Dr. Kuns flew combat missions in a P-51 Mustang over France and Germany. For his valiant service, he was awarded the Air Medal and European Theatre Ribbon.

Dr. Kuns specialized in the study of tropical viral diseases. He and his wife lived throughout Central and South America while employed by the U.S. Public Health Service. Among his many achievements was his instrumental participation in research which elucidated the cause of hemorrhagic fever in South America.

The Bolivian government awarded Dr. Kuns the highest medal given by the government, the Order of the Condor for his efforts. During this time, Dr. Kuns also had a South American animal species named after him.

Following retirement from the U.S. Public Health Service, he served as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization and as adjunct professor for the International Center for Disease Control at the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Kuns served as a volunteer curator of natural sciences for the Brevard County Museum while living in Cocoa Beach, Fla. He was an avid bird watcher, plant enthusiast, and lover of wildlife. He was a supporter of the Nature Conservancy Fund and the World Wildlife Federation.

Dr. Kuns was an extensive traveler and journeyed to all of the continents including Antarctica.

He had resided in Gainesville, Fla., for the past four years.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Martha Maxine Kuns; two daughters, Sandra Lee Kuns and Mary Ellen Shelton; a brother Richard Kuns; and aunts, Donnabelle Myer and Rose Pullen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Keith Kuns; and a granddaughter, April Shelton Piety.

Services will be held Nov. 8 at the Cocoa Beach Community Church in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Donations in Dr. Kuns' honor may be made to the Nature Conservancy Fund or the World Wildlife Federation.