Merlin G. Hamilton

Merlin Hamilton of Newton, passed from this life Wednesday evening, June 22, 2016, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, under the care of Mercy Hospice.

Merlin George Hamilton, 73, was born Feb. 22, 1943, near New London, the son of Lester and Valda (Hammond) Hamilton. He was a high school graduate and later pursued some college courses. Merlin served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was injured during that time, receiving the Purple Heart. He received an Honorable Disability Retirement Discharge, receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

On Jan. 7, 1967, Merlin was united in marriage with Linda Hamilton. To this union three children were born, Allison, Matthew and Andrea. They had lived in New London and Salem, Ark. For many years he farmed, was a private investigator, a night supervisor for Walmart transportation, was self-employed flipping houses and enjoyed serving as a pastor at Iron Sharpens Iron Church and Ashton Chapel in Jasper County. On March 15, 2007, Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Linda. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Merlin enjoyed studying his bible, metal detecting, working on cars, woodworking, traveling, teaching and preaching. On June 30, 2014, Merlin was united in marriage with Cheryl Erlien.

Merlin is survived by his wife Cheryl; a son, Matthew (Kedra) Hamilton and their daughter Laniez Carter Hamilton; his daughter, Allison (Jeff) Watson and their children Brant and Lavern Watson; his daughter, Andrea Hamilton; his step-daughter Tammy (Mark) Fletcher; his step-sons, Douglas (Wendy) Erlien and Christopher (Heather) Erlin; grandchildren, Courtney, Nick, Sydney, Natalie, Christian, Hunter and Katelynn; a sister, Kay Overstreet; brothers, Robert (Velma) Hamilton and Kerry (Alice) Hamilton; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Linda; and a sister-in-law, Carol Hamilton.

A time of remembrance and the funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 27 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Merlin's name with his family or a charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.