Merlin Crain, 75, Louisiana, MO (formally of Cresco, Iowa), died at 1:31 p.m. on January 31, 2020 at his daughter's home in Louisiana, MO.
Merlin was born on May 10, 1944, in Elgin, IA, the son of Lester and Leta Voshell Crain. He married Linda Schutte on July 28, 1965, in West Union, IA, and she preceded him in death.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold Crain. He is survived by one son, Michael Crain; three daughters, Sandra Crain, Michelle (Arland) Sears, and Janetta (Bobbey) Butler; a brother, Ivan (Joyce) Crain; two sisters, Linda (Mick) Johnson and Lucille "Leta" (Duane) Mishler; nine grandchildren, Tiffany (Chris) Griffin, Nicholas (Melissa) Taylor, Jonathan (Lisa) Crain, Ryan (Jennifer) Crain, Charles Crain, Chayton Sears, Caitlyn Sears, Noah Sears and Anthony Bull; 11 great grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
Merlin owned his own truck, and drove long hauls for many years. He hauled loads for Bruening and Fred Carlson road construction companies, and also worked for the Featherlite Trailer Company. Merlin loved to fish and hunt with his constant companion "Buddy". Merlin received his Savior on April 14, 1979, and enjoyed reading and studying God's word.
Memorials may be sent to Grand View Funeral Home at 11116 Hwy 61, Hannibal, MO, to help with the funeral expenses for Merlin and Linda's expenses.
Inurnment will be this spring at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, in rural West Union, IA.