Merlin Leon Evans passed away on June 20, 2019 in Albany, OR at the age of 78 surrounded by his loving family.

Merlin was born in Heber, AZ to Leola May Bigler and Logan Daniel Evans on August 17, 1940. He met Marie Veronica Schroth in Fitchburg, MA while he was serving in the Air Force with her brother, Harold. After a whirlwind romance, they eloped on July 26, 1963 and they spent 55 wonderful years together raising hell with their five children, spoiling their grandchildren, building forever friendships, and serving his fellow men wholeheartedly.

Merlin served in the US Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He returned home to Snowflake, AZ to be a millright and start his family. He later moved to Colstrip, MT and, in 1988, moved his family to Brownsville, OR.

Merlin was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President in Brownsville for six years. He was a larger-than-life man who wouldn’t let you leave without a giant hug and a “I love you more.” He loved everyone and never judged. His love was purely Christlike, and he was a passionate missionary of the Lord. He loved to tell tall tales, hunt, fish, camp, ride horses, play the guitar, and sing. He felt closest to the Lord in nature and passed that on to his children and grandchildren. Merlin will be remembered for his belly laughs, wisdom, hugs, example of service, love for the Lord, and his profound, unconditional love for his spirited wife and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Debbie; his son, Dan, and his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Sherri, and her husband, Brian; his son, Michael, and his wife, Chandra; his daughter, Cindy, and her husband, Bear; grandchildren, Megan, and her husband, Seth, Mikayla, Sierra, Nolan, Kitiara, Noelle, Shedree, Corbin, Maddy, Kenna, Janessa, Trayvin, and Kaelyn; and great grandson, Wyatt.

He was the best Husband, Father and Grampa there ever was. We love him dearly. Families are Forever.

“Love you More”

His services will be held on Friday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m., at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lebanon Chapel; 1955 S 5th St, Lebanon, OR 97355.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.