Merlin E. Earlywine

Merlin E. Earlywine, 86 of Lewistown,  passed away Wednesday Oct. 14, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill. The son of Stoker and Vivian Lamb Earlywine was born on Dec. 23, 1933 at Logan, Iowa.

He was united in marriage to Norma B. Hunt on Sept. 19, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hannibal.  She preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 2015.

Merlin was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at LaGrange. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. He was also a member of Lewis County Memorial Post #578 and the Marriage Encounter Circle.  He was a lifetime farmer in Lewis County and a part time auctioneer. He loved his family, never knew a stranger and was an avid bluegrass fan.

He is survived by five children, Delbert (Olivia) Earlywine of Monroe City, Kathy (Joe) Mort of Chesterfield, Linda (John) Whitaker of Ewing, Karen (Paul) Olson of LaGrange Park, Ill. and Janet (David) McCoy of Leonard; 13 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a great-great grandson; special friend, Lou Featherlin; two brothers, Gail and Glen; two sisters, Shirley and Carol; in-laws, Hilda (Paul) Lahr, Walter (Louella) Hunt and Roberta Hunt and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, Joshua Fleer, step-grandson, David Klocke; step-great-grandson, Brantley Bower and numerous siblings.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in LaGrange with Rev. Jacob Hercamp officiating. Burial with graveside military honors wasin Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal.

Visitation was held Sunday afternoon from 3 until 7 p.m. at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Lewistown.

Memorials may be made to The Great River Honor Flight or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Pallbearers: Travis Fleer, Adam Ragar, Eric Ragar, Matthew Earlywine, Daniel Earlywine and Elliot Olson.