Merlin Edward Bily

Merlin Edward Bily entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Shirley Fournet Bily for 65 years. Loving and devoted father of Andree’ Bily Dellsperger, Michelle Bily Cousans (Dennis) and Suzanne Bily Wagner. Proud and encouraging grandfather of Casey Charles Dellsperger (Lauren), Carrie Dellsperger Kelly (Chet), Courtney Dellsperger Barnes (Matthew), Tracey Michelle Cousans, Ellen Elizabeth Cousans, John Barclay Wagner II, Olivia Claire Wagner and Liam Edward Wagner. Joyful and playful great-grandfather of Hunter Matthew Barnes, Hudson Keith Barnes, Rylie Nola Dellsperger and Tryston Craig Dellsperger. Loyal and supportive brother of Douglas Robert Bily and his wife Rose McDonald Bily. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Pattison Bily, and his father, Herman Joseph Bily, his brother, Joseph Herman Bily, and his sister, Anna Faye Bily Kottemann.

Merlin was born on July 19, 1933, on Palmyra St in the 3rd Ward in the Mid City area of New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School and Saint Aloysius High School, where he excelled as a lettered city and state championship basketball player. Throughout his high school years, Merlin maintained his morning Times Picayune paper route and delivered groceries for the corner grocery store. Graduating high school in 1952, he attained a full athletic scholarship for basketball to McNeese College in Lake Charles. He left school after 2 years to join the Army. He served as a Corporal in the 81st Chemical Corps in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and played basketball for various U.S. Army teams. After his military service, he returned to play basketball for his beloved LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge for a year. Merlin began his professional career as a Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent in New Orleans. He left Liberty Mutual after 10 years to become an Independent State Farm Agent in Metairie. Retiring in 1997 after 26 years, Merlin moved to his Maple Ridge home in Covington. In 2016, he and Shirley moved to St. Anthony’s Gardens Retirement Community.

Being an avid tennis player and golfer, Merlin was a charter member of Lakeside Country Club in Metairie and was a member of the Chateau Golf and Country Club in Kenner. He also officiated many high school and college basketball games, was the St. Clement of Rome Boys Basketball Coach and a member of the Shepherds Social Club. His favorite pastime was being outside his home working in his garden and visiting with neighbors and friends. Merlin enjoyed a lifetime filled with insightful conversations, great times with family and friends, cocktails, fine dining, western movies, favorite music and good books. His mantra was to smile, laugh, and have a great, great, GREAT day! He believed in loving and honoring your family and striving to be your best self with integrity as a core value. Merlin blessed those who knew him with many cherished memories.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Anthony’s Gardens for the loving care Merlin received.

Visitation will take place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, June 17, 2023, beginning at 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by a Mass at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a memorial gift to Children’s Hospital New Orleans (http://www.chnola.org).

To share your fond thoughts, memories and condolences with the family, please visit the online guest book at https://www.lakelawnmetairie.com .