Merlin Markland

Merlin Dean Markland, 91, of Kenton, Ohio, passed away May 21, 2026, at 2am at home.

Born October 1, 1934, in Ashland, Kansas, to Vance and Mary Katherine Markland, he was the oldest of seven children. In his early years the family lived in Colorado and Kansas. But Ashland was always home.

Dean served as a minister in the Assemblies of God, pastoring in Kansas and Nebraska. He later lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he owned an auto salvage and glass company. In 1980 he left Alaska and moved to Boulder City, Nevada, where he founded Water Dynamics. In his spare time and then in his retirement, he loved rebuilding wrecked cars.

In 2025, he moved to Kenton, Ohio, and was lovingly cared for by George and Stephanie Cannode, and their daughters Jessica and Brooke.

Survivors include his children: Jonathan (Jacqueline), Candra (Kevin) Schauer, Carl, Robyn (Nicci), and Deana (Anthony Burns); 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sisters Twilla Trease, Glenda (Ed) Howarth, and Kathy Jones. Brother in law James Campbell and sister in law Sandy Markland. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Rochelle Jones, Bonnie Campbell, and Marion Markland.

A memorial service will be held in Nixa, Missouri.