Merlin Bennett

SIGOURNEY-Merlin Bennett, age 83, of Sigourney, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney.
Merlin was born July 28, 1934, in Newton, to Merlin C. and Vera I. (Forest) Bennett. He grew up in Newton and Des Moines and moved to Sigourney with his family in 1950. Merlin graduated from Sigourney High School in 1952 and attended Parsons College before serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1956, he married Patricia Buckles. The couple had three children: Merlin Douglas, LuAnn and LaVonne, and were later divorced. Merlin was a Draftsman at Collins Radio, owned and operated the Stockyards on North Shuffleton Street and raised cattle with Gerald Wohler and was a rural mail carrier for 31 years, retiring in 1999. He then met his long-time companion, Doris Baird, and they enjoyed many years dancing and spending time together. Merlin was a member of the Elks Lodge in Cedar Rapids and the Sigourney United Methodist Church. He lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger.
Survivors include two daughters: LuAnn Moses of Urbandale and LaVonne (Michael) Bloem of Sigourney; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren and his companion: Doris Baird of Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents and son: Merlin Douglas Bennett.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the Sigourney United Methodist Church, with Rev. Shannon Pascual officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sigourney. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2017, at the church.

A memorial fund has been established for Keokuk County Hospice or Sigourney United Methodist Church. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Merlin and his family. Tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.