Merle Eakins Obituary

Merle Dean (Deac) Eakins was born May 13, 1928 in Watertown, South Dakota to Evelyn Smothers Taylor. Merle spent his entire childhood in Blunt, South Dakota, where he was raised by his aunt and uncle Esther and Hans Giziewski, whom he referred to as Mom and Dad.

Merle Dean graduated from Blunt High School in 1946 at which time he was the captain of the basketball team. Merle scored a state high total of 576 points in his senior year. After high school, Merle enlisted in the Air Force retiring in 1970 after 23 years of service. Merle worked as the Commissary Warehouse Manager at the former CAFB. He retired from the Civil Service in 1990 after 20 years.

Merle was an avid hunter, fisherman and New York Yankees fan. Merle was also a constant cheerleader for his children and grandchildren with their sports interests. There were times when Merle had a 15 minute time frame to get from one town to another so that he could watch his grandchildren perform at different schools. Merle was also a good friend and confidant to many others outside his family and was a lifetime member of the VFW, Post 7792.

Merle was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Smothers Taylor, parents Esther and Hans Giziewski, daughter Terrie Davis, grandson Eric Davis and his brother/cousin Eugene Garson.

Merle leaves behind his wife of 53 years Miyo, his children, Tracey Whitaker (Bret Grossman) of Atwater, CA, Deacon Eakins (Pricilla Rose) of Los Banos, CA and son-in-law Scott Davis, Atwater, CA. Also surviving are his grandchildren Michael Davis, Jr., Cacey Whitaker, Jillian Whitaker, Travis Davis and Stephen Grossman, his sisters/cousins Lorli Mercer of Billings, MT and Maythel Erickson of Pierre, SD, his best friend/cousin Harold Benson of Rancho Cordova, CA and his nephew Butch Jenkins of Sierra Vista, AZ. Merle also leaves behind his brother-in-law Fukuji Hatano, and sisters-in-law Fumi Murakami and Katuyo Kitamura along with all his family in Japan.
Merle Dean will be truly missed by all his friends and family as they meant everything to him, as he did to them.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Visitation on Thursday, July 2, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Home in Atwater, California. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., also at Wilsons, with Chaplain Mike Woodman officiating. Burial will follow at the Winton District Cemetery with full Military Honors provided by the Merced County V.F.W. Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please direct all donations to Hinds Hospice of Merced, California.

Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Family Funeral Chapel of Atwater.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Merced Sun Star from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Merle Eakins

6 Entries

Tracie Copper

July 2, 2009

The world has lost one of the most kind, compassionate and responsible men I have ever met; my heart goes out to the entire family.

Diane Smith-Buckner

July 1, 2009

I am so sorry Miyo, Deacon, Tracey, Scott & Grand children! I loved Mr Eakins with All My Heart. I'll never forget all our fun times at the house for BBQ,Swim Meets,Our Baseball Team & most of all our Friendship!
Always All My Love
~ Diane Smith-Buckner ~

Melanie Dewar

July 1, 2009

Hello,
You dont "know me", but I am the sister to Missy, your neighbor.

Missy wanted me to see this "cutie"; mam, I am very sorry for your loss. May Godspeed the hurt that you feel now with the assurance that there is a place waiting for your hurts and loneliness.

I hope that Missy can help you through these pains, as she does so very much care about You and Yours.

July 1, 2009

Miyo and family

I am so sorry to hear about your lost of your husband / father and best friend. May God give you and your family Peace at this hour of sorrow. My mother Maythel sends her condolences also.

Gary & Barb Erickson

Melissa Dunn

July 1, 2009

Dear Family

We pray for Godspeed, in the healing process of having lost your beloved Dean.

He was a soft-spoken, yet awe inspiring man. A man of faith, love, and hope.

After having been his neighbor for soooo many years, it came to feel more like "the dad I couldn't be near" was right here.

The first time I ever met Dean, was while we were moving. He told me that I might want to come over more often to water our grass so there would be no fire hazard...I remember thinking I didn't know if I'd like a neighbor like that.

But you know what, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for me, if he could. Just a good old boy.

I like to think he's up there dancing like a spring chicken now, and just waiting to embrace us all again.

I know Dean got his wings.

With much love to you all, and a reminder that we are here if you need us.

Bob and Missi Dunn