Brenton William Merlin

If you are reading this, I, Brenton William Merlin, 84, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Tuesday evening on the 25th of March 2025 holding my daughter’s hand. I was born in Boston, MA on November 6th to my parents, Hazel Belle (Bennet) Merlin and Brenton Louis Merlin. I was the oldest of the three boys.

I joined the United States Air Force to stay out of trouble. Trouble found me betting the guys I was stationed with that I could steal Airman Alan M.’s girlfriend, Sandy, while on a double date.

Sandy became my wife on May 18th, 1962. We spent 50 great and active years together before she left me for another man…Jesus. We traveled, climbed mountains, loved fishing and were active in our church families. We raised four independent and sentimental children who don’t live anywhere near one another; Brenda (Keith) Hill of Adrian, MI, Brenton C. Merlin, Sean (Christina) Merlin of Rancho Mirage, CA, and Darren (Kristina) Merlin of Lee’s Summit, MO.

I retired from a long and fulfilling career at General Telephone when I was in my 50’s. Having had two open heart surgeries, doctors said I had a limited number of years so Sandy and I hit the road in a Winnebago and spent almost three years visiting everyone we knew all over the continent. In my retirement years I worked for Walmart Distribution, a trophy shop, and various other small jobs because I just couldn’t sit still.

In my later years, I found joy in telling stories of our adventures and family history. My children would say it was “A Walk Thru History with Brent Merlin”. I cherished the moments being with each of my children and grandchildren, passing on the wisdom of patience and perseverance, and sometimes the lack of. I also found companionship with Nancy Peterkort of Lee’s Summit, with whom I spent 8 years with. Nancy was good to me, and I hope I was to her. We had a lot of fun together traveling, taking dancing lessons, and eating good food.

Preceding me in death were my parents, my wife Sandy, grandsons William A. Hill and Tyler W. Hill, my eldest son Brenton, and my brother Allen Merlin of Hull, MA.

I am survived by my loving children and their spouses as well as four grandchildren; Michael Alan (Chelsea) Hill of Milford Village, MI, Renee E. Merlin of Lee’s Summit, MO, Sean Michael Merlin Jr. and Parker Grace Merlin of Rancho Mirage, CA, who were all the light of my life. I am also survived by my brother Murray (Betty) Merlin, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends who became family throughout the years. Though I have left this world, I hope to be remembered for my adventurous spirit, my dedication to my loved ones, and the countless stories I shared with all who listened.

There will be a celebration of life service at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1200 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 1:30pm. I encourage everyone to come with a story, a smile, and a heart full of love. To those I leave behind, remember me not with tears but with laughter, for a life well-lived is a legacy worth celebrating, and I am with Jesus!