Merlyn Wesley Farmer

Merlyn (Merle) Wesley Farmer was born to Roy W. Farmer and Barbara Gibson (Farmer) Ewaldt on January 24, 1941. His family affectionately called him "Cork."  The couple had four sons, with Merle being the oldest and his three brothers, Lyle Eugene, Roy "Wayne," and Maurice Gail (Bud).

Merle grew up in California, graduating in 1958 at the age of seventeen from San Bernadino High School. Merle's strong love for his country led him to enlist in the United States Navy shortly after graduation. This began his military career in Communications as a Radio Man. Merle served in the US Navy for nine years, which included three tours in Vietnam. As life evolved and changed, Merle chose to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1968 continuing in the field of Communications. As he progressed in rank Merle then began to be First Sergent of several different squadrons, mentoring Airmen as they followed in their military career.

Merle married Sue Light in June 1959 and to this union three children were born. Ronald Wayne, David "Scott", and Sherry Lynn. In November of 1964, Merle married Joyce Hanson and to this union Barbara Ann was born. In 1976 he met Jean Lawson, and they married October 2, 1976, which brought two stepdaughters to the blended family. Joy Christine and Dawn Michelle.

After serving a total of 27 years in the United States Military Merle retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1985. After retirement Merle worked as a Maintenance Engineer for Kwik Shop until they closed in Oklahoma City in 1999. At that time Merle formed his own company American Repair where he enjoyed doing small home repairs.

One of the many strong bonds between Merle and Jean was the mutual love of travel. Shortly after they were married the military would station Merle at RAF Upper Heyford. During this three-year assignment Merle and Jean were able to tour Europe. Once Jean retired in 2007, Merle and Jean set off on 12 years of RV adventures. They saw the country they both loved, visiting places of interest, as well as to be able to visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching them grow into the family they are both so proud of.

Merle is preceded in death by his Father, Roy, Mother, Barbara, Stepfather, Ralph, and Stepmother, Jeannet. His brother Wayne, and two great-grandchildren Jayden and Alexa. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jean. His sons Ron (Sheri) Clement, Scott (Laurie) Clement, his daughters Sherry Farmer, Barbara (Ed) Surchik, his two stepdaughters, Joy Purvis, and Dawn (Steven) Lyles. Brothers, Lyle Farmer, and Bud (Sharon) Farmer. Fifteen grandchildren, Megan, Sara, Dennis, Jessica, Bryan, Laura, Samirah, Aubrey, Jake, Caden, Brett, Dylan, Shelby, Shayla, and Chase. Seventeen great grandchildren. Brothers Lyle Farmer and Bud (Sharon) Farmer, numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

As a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Elks Lodge #1890, and American Legion he continued to serve his country after active duty. Merle was able to travel the world and tour the United States, with the love of his life. He enjoyed woodworking, sitting out on the patio and meeting his friends for coffee and a beer. Never meeting a stranger, he enjoyed conversations with his customers and friends and sharing stories with fellow veterans. Merle especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they always made him smile with their antics.

Viewing will be held at Yanda and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Yanda and Son Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) an organization that Merle supported.