Merlin Walter Montgomery

The start of an incredible life began with Merlin’s birth at the Farnam, NE Hospital on April 30, 1939 to Dale and Ella (Dreher) Montgomery of Farnam, NE and departed his earthly life on December 24, 2020 at Deming, NM. He had and his family has wonderful memories of his childhood in Farnam, NE and adult life in many places. We often had fun reminiscing about all the good times. He continued to believe in Jesus Christ as his Savior throughout his life. Merlin made lifelong friends from all over including families from Canada to the southern states. His thoughtful, kind, considerate, trustworthy ways were shared with everyone he met. Merlin was an amazing and brilliant brother. He certainly will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Merlin is survived by John Elliott his faithful partner for the past 32 years. Merlin is also survived by his sister, Gwen Beal (Clarence), brother, Calvin Montgomery (Susan), three nephews, George Linker (Kristina), Chris Linker (Heather), Thomas Montgomery, and two nieces Emily Suess (Justin) and Antonia Montgomery. He is also survived by three grandnieces, Samantha, Lillian and Maia and three grandnephews, Anthony, Quinn and Caden. Merlin passed on in his home in Deming, NM on December 24, 2020, where he had retired. He was taken to the Deming Hospital and then airlifted to the El Paso, TX hospital where they did surgery; however, nothing worked. It was just sadly his time to leave us. Merlin was known for composing music. He composed Christmas songs, some with lyrics, that were sent to family and many friends every Christmas. In fact, he completed his final score days before his death prophetically titled "Joyful Chimes for Woeful Times". He composed a suite for brass quartet and a suite for two violins and viola that were performed as part of a local artists showcase in Seattle. He performed several other original pieces many of them upon request for weddings and special occasions in Farnam and Omaha, NE and Seattle, WA. Merlin was a member of the Farnam High School class of 1957. Merlin attended the University of Nebraska and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of the marching and symphonic bands as well as a member of the Gamma Lambda music honor fraternity. Merlin held a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska. He practiced medicine in both Nebraska and Washington state. Merlin had many interests including horticulture and collecting antique oriental ceramics. Perhaps his (and John's) favorite pastime was enjoying the company of their two dogs, Jarvis and Angel. Merlin loved to invent mechanical devices, toys and games. One is a chessboard that when a central string is pulled it folds into a perfect cube. Another is a small BBQ which through the use of thermocouples powers its own rotisserie. Merlin and John met in Seattle in 1988 and began their lives together soon after. John was in the Army at the time stationed in Seattle. As a young boy, John grew up in several foster homes and attributes his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to one of his loving Christian care homes. At 17 John graduated high school and entered the Army. After basic training and at 18 years of age he was sent directly to the Vietnam War. John moved up the ranks quickly. He received the Purple Heart and other commendations during his service in the Army. Once retired, they bought a motorhome and they traveled for several months all overseeing wonderful sights and meeting good people. As Merlin's exceptional best friend and companion John, our family is forever thankful for the life you gave each other; you are and will continue to be part of our loving family. They made more friends along the way and found they really liked the climate in Deming, NM and bought a home there. Once again, John and Merlin found a wonderful community setting with helpful neighbors and friends. They have always been surrounded by thoughtful, caring people. Special Nebraska friends, Don Foster and his wife Lois have continued to share support for John in Deming during these very heartbreaking times. Sending our love dear Merlin; we will always love you and miss you, your love, your wit, your visits, your telephone calls, your words of encouragement, your intelligence, your knowledge and your talents too. Who answers all those questions now for us? We will continue to pray as you are joining our dear Dad and sweet Mother. We will all be together again one day. Praise God in Jesus' name.