Merlin C. McLarty

Merlin C. McLarty, 88, of Sioux City, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008 at a local hospital. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 5-7 p.m. with the family present. A funeral service will then begin at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Pastor Kathy Olson officiating. Private family graveside service will be on Friday, January 11, 2008 at Little Sioux Township Cemetery.

Merlin was born on October 28, 1919 in Armour, South Dakota to William and Eva (Parker) McLarty. The family moved to Smithland, Iowa when Merlin was very young. He grew up in Smithland, and attended school in Smithland. After school he worked for several different farmers.

On October 21, 1939, he married Arlene Louise Seavey in Ida Grove, IA. In 1944, Merlin was drafted into the United States Army during W.W.II where he served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Upon his return the couple moved to Sioux City, where he worked at Kent Feeds until he retired in 1979.

Merlin was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, and the Eagles Club. In their younger years Merlin and Arlene enjoyed fishing, camping, dancing, playing cards, and especially spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Merlin was a gentleman and a gentle man.

Survivors include his three sons, Terry and wife Judy McLarty of Sioux City, IA, Norman and wife Connie McLarty of Crawford, NE, and David and wife Diane Mclarty of Sioux City. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Meredith, Kyle, Curtis, Greg, Doug, Matt, and Jimmy, 3 great grandchildren, Spencer, Trevor and Connor, 2 sisters-in-law, Isabelle McLarty of Sioux City, and Joyce Horstman of Loveland, CO, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Arlene in 2004, 5 sisters, and 6 brothers.

A special thank you to the staff at Northern Hills for the wonderful care they gave Merlie

Serving, as casket bearers will be Terry McLarty, Norman McLarty, David McLarty, Matt McLarty, Jim McLarty, Kyle McLarty and Bill McLarty.