Merlin Ellis Johnson

Born in Centralia, IL, he was the beloved son of Bruce and Carrie Johnson and the only brother to three sisters. He was raised on the family farm in a tight-knit, faith-filled community.

Merlin began his education in a one-room schoolhouse beside Zion Hill Baptist Church and graduated from Centralia High School. Gifted in music from a young age, he acquired his love for the piano and organ from his mother and pursued this passion at Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, where he sang in a traveling men’s quartet.

He continued his studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, later earning a master’s in music from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in education from Scarritt College.

On September 8, 1961, Merlin married the love of his life, Sharon, in Olney, IL. They later settled in Nashville, beginning a life of ministry and music together.

Merlin served as a Minister of Music for over 40 years in Methodist churches across Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. A highlight of his ministry was founding the Friendship Singers, a high school ensemble that performed both nationally and internationally.

Later in life, Merlin transitioned to a successful career in financial planning before retiring in 2014. In retirement, he remained vibrant and active—enjoying travel, gardening, home projects, and sharing his musical talents. He sang with the Crystal Cathedral Choir in California, spent winters on Balboa Island near his grandchildren, and ultimately moved full-time to Oklahoma to be closer to more family.

Merlin is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sharon; daughters: Jan Moorad of Newport Beach, CA, Julie (Joel) Grubbs of Edmond, OK, and Jill (Gregg) Olson of Auburn, AL; grandchildren: Justin Moorad of Washington, DC, Brett (Savanne) Olson of Huntsville, AL, Christopher Moorad of Leavenworth, WA, Brooke Olson of Austin, TX, Ashley Olson of Austin, TX, Blake Moorad of Newport Beach, CA, Joshua Grubbs of Edmond, OK, Ryan Olson of Auburn, AL, Sydney Grubbs of Edmond, OK, and Shelby Grubbs of Edmond, OK; great-granddaughter, Savanna Charles (Charli) Olson of Huntsville, AL; sisters, Lois (Charles) Polstra and Clara (Jim) Coleman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents and his sister, Donna Brueggeman, and brother-in-law, Jim Brueggeman.

Merlin’s legacy lives on through his faith, music, and the family he cherished.