Merlin G. King
Merlin G. King, age 83, of Shelby, died Saturday, September 27, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born August 14, 1931 in Shelby the son of the late Franklin Boag and Vivian (Hunter) King. Merlin was a 1949 graduate of Shelby High School and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army.
Merlin retired from the City of Shelby Water Department as Distribution Superintendent after 30 years of service and went on to work for 27 years for F.E. Krocka and Associates. He was a member of First United Church of Christ in Shelby. He was a very active member of Shelby American Legion, O’Brien Post #326 holding most of the offices and had been Past District Commander of District #5 covering 10 counties in Ohio – the largest in the state.
Baseball was a huge part of Merlin’s life. As a coach for over 50 years, he was a long time fixture on the sandlots around the city. He influenced many area young men. His strong family values spilled out to those around him. Merlin’s sense of humor and calm demeanor quelled many a storm in the dugouts and on the fields over the years.
Merlin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice M. (Kollar) King whom he wed on August 11, 1951; 5 children: Lou Ellen (Richard Jr.) Huff of Shelby, Larry Gene (Rosanna) King of Tiro, Clifford Alan (Darlene) King of Shelby, Kevin Lynn King (Michelle Metcalf) of Shelby, Janice Marie “Jinx” (Donald ) Cooke of Shelby; 14 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Crystal Cooke in 2012; 3 brothers: Clifford King, Robert King, and Harold King.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 from 3-6:30 PMat the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Military honors will be conducted by the Joint Veteran Burial Detail and the Shelby American Legion at 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial expressions may be made to the Shelby Babe Ruth League or to the Shelby American Legion.
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To The Kings
Sorry to hear about the loss of Merlin. I Hung out a lot with Larry in that neighborhood going through my elementrary school days. I always picture a smile on Merlins face unless one the kids were in trouble. He was a Veteran and I salute him for that. He served in Korea during the war and I served there during peacetime and it was no picnick they fought a War in the Mountains of that country in the winter and that place gets cold. So sorry again, May you dad Rest In Peace and God bless the family. Your In our prayers.
Barry Claytor
To all I feed for your lost. I have lost a friend A man that thought me soooo much about the American Legion so many good and great times in the District in the Dept of Ohio and will never forget our times in Canada. Merlin was as close to me as a dad in the legion family. Rest in peace. You deserve it. Love to all from Fla. Ed & Sonni
Sorry for the loss of Merlin. He was a good father and a fine man. I’m sure he would want everyone to carry on as he taught them to do…
We met Merlin at the ball field when going to watch our grandchildren(Guisinger children).He was so loved by all the kids and had such a great and friendly personality.He could always make you laugh and you could tell he was very devoted to the kids and his family.I am sure he will be missed by everyone.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.I am so sorry for your loss and I am sure he will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of this news. The world was a better place because of this sweet man! He was like a grandpa to me, always cheering me on when Crystal and I were on the ball field, or teasing me about something.. he will definitely be missed by many. I’m so thankful for the memories i have to cherish. My deepest condolonces.
Love and prayers,
April and Family
Darlene, Cliff and family
So sorry for the loss for Merlin
He was a character and I loved playfully arguing with him at the Little League field.
Prayers
Ann Imhoff
Sorry to hear about Merlin. He was the life of the party on the Legion bus trips!
What will you do with his collection of hats.
Cliff and Darlene ~ So sorry for the loss of your father. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Uncle Kevin ,Aunt Michelle and King Family So Very Sorry for Your Loss. You All are in our Thoughts an Prayers.
My deepest sympathy to the entire King family. I have very good memories of this man with a great sense of humor, especially when we were doing a sink repair at the home of Rich and Lou in Las Vegas and he tapped on the bathroom sink shattering it into a million pieces! It makes me laugh thinking about it now because the look on his face was priceless. Rest in peace Merlin King, I appreciate getting to know you here on earth.
Alice and family. So sorry to hear of of your loss. Merlin was, as anyone who knew him, one of a kind. Through the American Legion I very much enjoyed working with and learning from him. I will cherish our friendship we built. Thoughts and prayers.
Greg Davis
To the King family I am so sorry for the loss of Merlin. I really enjoyed my time with him and he always made me laugh. I remember working with him when we were at Rich and Lou’s house in Vegas and fixing a sink in the bathroom when he gently tapped a sink and broke it in a million pieces! The look on his face was priceless…I said Rich is going to kill us when he gets home and we made 6 trips to the hardware store to find one that fit. Rest in peace Merlin I am glad your suffering is over.
Lou and family-my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cliff and family,
so sorry to hear of your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. may the Lord comfort you as you grieve the passing of your father.
Terri Perry
Dear King family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I have many wonderful memories of my childhood in Shelby. One of my fond memories is of us kids being coached by Merlin behind your house on 10 Fourth Street. He was pitching to us behind the garage. He sure could throw the ball! Great dad and neighbor. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Alice, sorry I couldn’t make it down for the services. You and your family have my deepest condolences. Merlin was a good friend and a mentor to many in the American Legion. He will be missed by the Fighting Fifth District.
To the Merlin King family, very sorry for your loss, have many good times with family members, thinking of all of you, Ralph
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Merlin. He was a great person to be around and was always loyal to his country. I remember always being in the parades representing the services. The Good Lord has a better place for him now in that he has served his time on tis earth. God Bless him and may the Lord provide comfort for all of you n this time of need.
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time….God Bless you and keep you in His loving arms…
Jean Ann (Schroeder) Fairchild