Merlin Jay Miller was born to Mary Fern Eby Miller and Edgar Jay Miller in Troy, Kansas, on September 10th, 1931. He grew up with two sisters: Letha and Patricia. Merlin graduated from high school in 1950, then attended McPherson College.
In 1953, Merlin was dating Delma Joan Cline. Because he could not get time off to travel to Kansas and get married, Merlin quit his job. The couple was married on August 28th, 1953.
On the day his father passed away, Merlin also received his draft notice. He served in the Army for two years. Merlin and Delma’s first daughter, Cheri Lynn, was born in 1956 at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, where Merlin was stationed. After his service, Merlin moved with his family to McPherson, Kansas.
Merlin and Delma had their second child, Diane Kay, in 1959. Their third child, Kevin Jay, was born in 1963. Cheri, Diane, and Kevin have fond memories of their dad leading the 4-H club, coaching softball teams, playing tennis, and taking them on family vacations. The Millers faithfully attended Monitor Church of the Brethren. On February 27th, 1989, Merlin lost his wife to breast cancer. Merlin and Delma were married 35 years.
On January 20th, 1990, Merlin married Reta Raleigh Hoch Gubser. Merlin and Reta were members of the First Baptist Church. While married to Reta, Merlin began playing golf, woodworking, and rock hunting. On March 1st, 2004, Merlin lost his second wife to multiple myeloma. Merlin and Reta were married 14 years.
On August 17th, 2008, Merlin married Jody Clinesmith Dombaugh. They were members of the First United Methodist Church. While married to Jody, Merlin became a dog-lover and learned to play Bridge. The couple enjoyed attending McPherson College ballgames and theatre performances. Merlin lost his third wife on October 23rd, 2021. Merlin and Jody were married 13 years.
In his last year of life, despite a relapse of bladder cancer, Merlin spent his time playing golf, cornhole, and pool with friends, exercising at The Cedars’ fitness center, and doing jigsaw puzzles with family. He passed away on October 13th, 2022, with his family near him.
Merlin is survived by his children and their spouses: Cheri and Neal Hudson, Diane and Jim Patton, Kevin Miller and Herb Acevedo; his stepchildren and their spouses: Wyatt and Mary Ann Hoch, Keith and Gail Hoch, Brenda and Jay Bohnenblust, Dalyn and Mark Cantrell; his sister, Patricia, and her husband Lowell Yoder, and a brother-in-law, Glenn Gayer. Merlin is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Colby, Riley, Cara, Adele, Logan, Erin, Lauren, Braden, Kaelin, Ashley, Whitney, Heidi, Katelyn, Casey, Cristen; and nine great-grandchildren. Merlin is now reunited with his three wonderful wives, and we hope for his sake it isn’t awkward.
The family will receive friends from 3:00pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, November 20th, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The celebration of life for Merlin Jay Miller will be held at the First United Methodist Church on November 21st, at 10:00am.