of Mountain Home, AR

January 7, 1932 - May 19, 2023

Mr. Merlin Francis, 91, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away Friday, May 19, 2023 in Mountain Home. He was born on January 7, 1932 in Carroll, Iowa to Melvin and Elsie (Auen) Francis. He was married to Beverly (Penning) for 49 years.

Merlin was a Korean War Navy veteran, a 30-year retiree of John Deere Tractor Co. in Waterloo, Iowa and drove a bus for Mountain Home Schools for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports (especially the Cubs), painting ceramics, watching western tv/movies and listening to ''real'' county and western music. He was a hardworking man who could be stubborn (in a good way) at times but very dedicated to his job and family.

Merlin is survived by 2 sons, Alan Francis (Laurie) and Brian Francis (Diana); 9 grandchildren, Sara Reed (Joe), Crystal Williams, Steven Williams, Mandy Gray, Nathan Francis (Natalie), Erin Ford, Darin Francis (Joy), Kerri Rusher (Collin) and Gage Davis; numerous great-grandchildren and 1 sister, Beverly Lindsay. He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; 2 daughters, Sharon Sim and Lori Bolding and 2 sisters, Erma Ross and Zella Holloway.

A visitation will be held between 1-2:00pm on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Baxter Memorial Gardens with graveside services to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Wounded Warrior Project.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com