OVERBROOK, Kan. – Merlin Leroy Pearson, 82, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kans. He was born May 17, 1943, in Lyndon, Kan., the son of Raymond and Viola (Scheid) Pearson.
Merlin grew up on the family farm north of Lyndon, and had made his home near Overbrook, Kan., for the past 47 years. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1961, and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as a heavy equipment operator in the Seabees.
Following his service, Merlin worked as a sales manager for Sears, in Topeka, until his retirement. After retiring, he returned to his roots in farming, working with Charlie Kaff, near Overbrook. He was a member of the American Legion and the Overbrook VFW. Merlin enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and also loved traveling.
On April 7, 1990, he was united in marriage to Cathy Downs, in Overbrook.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Viola; and two brothers-in-law, Don Bornsheuer and Richard Paulson.
Merlin is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cathy; his children, Shane (Melody) Pearson, of Salina, Kan., Tina (Shawn) Beach, Auburn, Kan., Stacy (Joel) Kahnt, Ellinwood, Kan., Kevin Ripley (Davon Jackson), Aubrey, Texas, and Nancy (Nick) Sholander, Rose Hill, Kan.; two brothers, Les (Patricia) Pearson, Melbourne, Fla., and Bruce (Jill) Pearson, Gardner, Kan.; three sisters, Shirley Bornsheuer, Osage City, Kan., Marla Paulson of Mesa, Ariz., and Berlene (David) Sellens, Ottawa, Kan.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until service time at the chapel. Private family interment will take place at Overbrook Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Midland Hospice House, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at www.feltnerfuneralhome.com.
