Obituary of Merlin George Hamilton

Merlin G. Hamilton Merlin Hamilton of Newton passed from this life on Wednesday evening, June 22, 2016, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, under the care of Mercy Hospice.. Merlin George Hamilton, 73, was born February 22, 1943, near New London, the son of Lester and Valda (Hammond) Hamilton. He was a high school graduate, and later pursued some college courses. Merlin served his country with the US Army during the Vietnam War, and was injured during that time, receiving the Purple Heart. He received an Honorable Disability Retirement Discharge, receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal On January 7, 1967, Merlin was united in marriage with Linda Hamilton. To this union three children were born: Allison, Matthew and Andrea. They had lived in Danville and Salem, AR. For many years he farmed, was a private investigator, a night supervisor for Wal-Mart transportation, was self-employed flipping houses, and enjoyed serving as a pastor at Iron Sharpens Iron Church and Ashton Chapel, in Jasper County. On March 15, 2007, Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Linda. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Merlin enjoyed studying his bible, metal detecting, working on cars, woodworking, traveling, teaching and preaching. On June 30, 2014, Merlin was united in marriage with Cheryl Erlien. Merlin is survived by his wife Cheryl; his daughter: Allison (Jeff) Watson and their children Brant and Lauren Watson; a son: Matthew (Kedra) Hamilton and their children Carter and Lanie Hamilton; his daughter Andrea Hamilton; his step-daughter Tammy (Mark) Fletcher; his step-sons: Douglas (Wendy) Erlien and Christopher (Heather) Erlien; grandchildren: Courtney, Nick, Sydney, Natalie, Christian, Hunter and Katelynn; a sister Kay Overstreet; brothers: Robert (Velma) Hamilton and Kerry (Alice) Hamilton; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Linda; and a sister-in-law Carol Hamilton. A time of remembrance and the funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 27, 2016; at Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Merlin’s name with his family or a charity of your choosing.