Merlin R. Preston, 97, of Wayne, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 at his home at Kinship Pointe in Wayne.
A Celebration Of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at First United Methodist Church in Wayne. The Rev. Nick Baker will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Sept. 24 at First United Methodist Church in Wayne. Private burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne.
Pallbearers will be Merlin and Della Mae’s grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Wayne.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home in Wayne.
Merlin Richard Preston was born Aug. 3, 1927 on a farm east of Belden, to Russell Rosco and Angie Bernerdene (Fish) Preston. In 1935 the Preston family moved to a farm southeast of Wayne. After graduating from Wayne High School, he attended Wayne State College. Merlin married Della Mae Summers July 7, 1946 on the family farm. The couple farmed for decades southeast of Wayne until retiring and moving into town in 1993.
They spent many winters in Englewood, Florida and Gold Canyon, Arizona. In 2021 Merlin moved to Kinship Pointe in Wayne.
Farming was a true passion of Merlin’s. Over the years he very much enjoyed his time with his family, playing golf, building and flying radio controlled airplanes and especially, fishing with his family.
Survivors include his daughters, Janet (Dennis) Crippen of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Ann (Neil) Brogren of Gold Canyon, Arizona, and Tracy Preston of Cottonwood, Arizona; six grandchildren; Douglas McFarland, Jamie McFarland, Adam Crippen, Shane Crippen, Eric Brogren, and Amanda (Brogren) Manning; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Della Mae, in 2001; daughter, Linda L. McFarland; brothers, Leland (Frances) Preston and Quentin (Maxine) Preston; sister, Bonna (Walter) Starkey and long time dear friend, Dottie Wacker.
