Merlin served in the U.S. Army. He worked and retired from Siemens, Pelton & Crane. He was a former member of the Redfex Club and a member of the Charlotte Scottish Rite. Merlin was also a member of the Oasis Shriners and a charter member of the James K. Polk #759 AF & AM Masonic Lodge.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Jeanette M. Barrier; a sister, Gayle Austin of Indian Trail; a brother, James Donald Barrier of Marshville; a brother in law William Jackson Yandle and wife Vickie of Oakboro, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:00 AM at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park with a service to follow at 11:00. Burial will conclude in Sharon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, In Care Of, Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7Th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.
