Donald Gene Merklein was born August 30, 1936, at home, on the farm, in Prairie View, KS to John (Jack) and Hazel Merklein. He passed peacefully from this life on January 23, 2026, at the Phillips County Retirement Center at the age of 89.

He attended a one-room school in Brush Creek, a rural school in Luctor, and graduated from Phillipsburg High School. Don started his long working career at the Bear Brand (Tamko) shingle manufacturer. After a short time there, he worked various jobs to support his young family, including Bethke Construction and farming with his dad for many years. His longest tenure was at PMI as an oil field pumper. He concluded his last 5 years at the Phillips County Landfill at the age of 70.

He was married to Sharon (Lorimor) Irvin for many years, and they were blessed with 3 sons, Scott, Kevin, and Mitchell.

Don is survived by his sons Scott (Tammy) Merklein, Kevin Merklein (Marlene Bruggeman) all of Phillipsburg, Mitch (Shelly) Merklein of Wichita, sister Karen Dietz of Phillipsburg, brother Gary Merklein of Wetmore, Co, 2 granddaughters, Kali (Joe) Faircloth of Skiatook, OK, Erin (David) Nicholson of Bailey, CO, 2 step-grandsons Ty and Keagan Smith of Agra, KS, 6 great grandchildren, Baker, Maisie and Jase Faircloth, Charlotte and Samuel Nicholson and Kade Smith.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lauren Merklein.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:30 am at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating. Burial will follow at the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Stuttgart.

Mr. Merklein will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with the family receiving friends for visitation, Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Services.

Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.