Merlyn loved flying and earned his Pilot’s License at age 17 and wanted to be a Spray Pilot but his family talked him out it; however, he continued his passion of flying throughout the years.
Merlyn joined the Air Force in August 1951 and married Delores Etmund January 1, 1952.
Merlyn farmed his entire life near Hickman and Sprague. In 1957 Merlyn purchased the Black Smith Shop in Hickman and added farm machinery, truck and car repair services. Later he started selling Gooches Feed from his farm and eventually changed the Black Smith Shop into Egger Feed Store.
Merlyn was awarded the Aksarben Pioneer Farm Family Award for having the farm in the same family for 100 years (1876-1976). He was Past Commander and member of the American Legion Post #105 in Hickman; received Fireman Plaque for fire service 1962-1977 and Hickman Rural Fire Board 1988-2014. Past President, Lancaster Farm Bureau Board; Sponsored Men and Women Bowling Teams and received the National Award for Sponsoring Woman’s Bowling Teams.
Merlyn enjoyed bowling, golf, water skiing, fishing and spending time at the cabin at Harlan County. Merlyn loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Merlyn is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Delores Etmund Egger, children, Dennis (Sharon) Egger, Cheryl Cramer, Rodney (Gloria) Egger, grandchildren, Angela Cramer, Brandon (Mandy) Cramer, Stacey (Bryce) Johnson, Brady (Megan) Egger, Jeffrey (Valerie) Mathis, Lindsey (Mike) Norton, Lauren (Derek) Ohlin; 10 great-grandchildren; brother - in- law and sister - in - law, Arlene (Jim) Egger, Larry (Nancy) Etmund; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eldo and Harold Egger; sister, Mildred Kolder; sister-in-laws, Ernestine Egger, Lois Egger; brother in law; Eugene Kolder.
