Merlin Ray Bowen, son of Chester & Delcie (Pellett) Bowen, was born February 19, 1936 in Jefferson, Missouri. He was the second of ten children. He passed away on January 18, 2020 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas at the age of 83.
In 1954, Merlin was united in marriage to Phyllis Springer in Coffeyville, KS. To this union, three sons were born: Merlin in 1955, Mike in 1957 & Mark in 1959. The couple later divorced.
The family moved to Denver in 1958. While living in Denver, Merlin worked in Maintenance for the Robinson Brick & Tile Co. He worked there for over 20 years.
In 1961, he was united in marriage to Irmalee Wyley. The couple moved to Almena, KS in 1993 & then to Phillipsburg in 2004 where Merlin began acquiring rental properties. Irmalee passed away in 2005.
Survivors include his sons: Merlin of Oklahoma, Mike & Mark of Phillipsburg; 6 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Pastor Michael Ricci-Roberts officiating. A private burial will be in the Bogart Cemetery, Phillips Co. KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kirwin United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday at the funeral home.