Merlin Samuel Shaner

Merlin Samuel Shaner was born on April 8, 1942, in Hartford, KS, to Willie Samuel and Iva Maxine (McCormick) Shaner. He was the oldest of three children, including a brother, Benjamin Franklin and a sister, Iva Mae. He passed away on November 14, 2025, at his home in Virgil City, MO.

Merlin’s family moved to El Dorado Springs in 1962, where he met Jo Giesken. They got married on September 20, 1962. They became the parents of four children: Debra Jo, Merlin Douglas, DeAnna Jean, and Brian Dale.

Merlin worked for Hicks Oil Company, the Milk Plant, Kennon Ready Mix, and Liter’s Auto Parts until he suffered a stroke on May 24, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wille and Iva Shaner; his oldest son, Merlin Douglas; first great granddaughter, Taylor Elizabeth; brother, Ben; and sister, Iva Mae.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Jo Shaner of the home; Debra Jo, Dave and Marisa Donica of Diamond, MO; Moriah and Brandon Stallings of OK; Christopher, Jamie, Roper, and Gage Shaner of Seneca, MO; Russ and DeAnna McCowan, Rachael, Adam, Tristyn, Reagan, and Ethan Daulton; Trenton McCowan, Ashley Thompson, and Braxton, all of El Dorado Springs, MO; Kirtis McCowan and Joy Jennings of Nevada, MO; Brian Dale and Kim Shaner of Diamond, MO; Sam and Mattie Shaner of Joplin, MO; George Shaner and Hope Heryford of Louisburg, MO; Joseph Shaner of Diamond, MO; Emma, Josh, Wren, and Bowen Sandness of Prescott, KS; and one uncle, Marion Shaner of Lebo, KS.

His wish was to be cremated and his ashes to be buried in Virgil City Cemetery. A Graveside service will be held at Virgil City Cemetery on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.