Merlin L. McGinley, age 92, of Albany, MO passed away Monday, May 29, 2023, at Mosaic Medical Center, Albany, MO.

Merlin was the son of Melvin and Ida Belle (Jones) McGinley. He was born on June 23, 1930, near Gentry, MO.

He married Lora Lee Bain of Cainsville, MO on December 24,1953. To this union four children were born. Kathie (McGinley) Lincoln, Thomas McGinley, Karen (McGinley) Poe, and Kenneth McGinley.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lora Lee, son Thomas, sister Evelyn Louise Summa, brother Hobert McGinley and son-in-law Steve Lincoln.

He is survived by daughter Kathie Lincoln, Council Bluffs, IA; daughter Karen (Randy) Poe, Blue Springs, MO; son Kenneth (Becky) McGinley, Albany, MO.

Grandchildren Ryan (Sara) Lincoln, Council Bluffs, IA; Brent (Jamie) Lincoln, Malvern, IA; Nathan (Alisha) Noble, Albany, MO; Meagan (Nick) Chapman Grain Valley, MO; Kristen (Alec) Crutcher Lee's Summit, MO; Laura (Zach) Mathes Viola, WI; Paige (Michael) Emery, Albany, MO; Kaylie (Austin) Walker, Albany, MO; Kaitlin (Mike) Popkov, Elkhorn, NE; Zach (Bailey) Sharp, Lee's Summit, MO. 16 great grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and friend, Benetah McGinley.

Merlin attended several rural country schools around Gentry. He graduated from Albany High School in 1948. After marrying Lora Lee in 1953, they began farming together which included row crops, cattle and hogs, along with dairy milk cows.

He was baptized into the Baptist faith at an early age. In 1967, he became a deacon in the Gentry Baptist Church and continued serving as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Albany for the remainder of his life.

He served in the Army National Guard as a Field Artillery Gunner Sergeant for nine years.

Merlin's passion for life included his faith, family, and farming.

After retirement, Lora Lee and Merlin moved to Albany. After moving to Albany, Merlin enjoyed playing cards at the senior center for many years. He enjoyed the friendships he made there.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Thursday, June 1 at the Albany First Baptist Church. Burial in the New Friendship Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Memorial Contributions: New Friendship Cemetery in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com