Merlin Wayne Habegger

Merlin Wayne Habegger, 88, of Niceville, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025. Born in 1937 to parents Sarah and Amos Habegger, Merl grew up on a small rural farm in Berne, Indiana.
At an early age, Merl had a curiosity and talent for understanding how things worked, especially all things electrical. Those interests led him to DeVry Institute in Chicago, where he studied electronics. From there, he began his career working for General Dynamics in Texas and later retired from Okaloosa County Water and Sewer. Merl's family and friends benefitted from his remarkable ability to repair most anything electrical or mechanical-he was always happy to help find a fix to extend the life of any gadget so you would not have to buy a new one.
In 1963, Merl married his beloved wife, Jane, and in 1968, they made Niceville their home. Merl was passionate about organic gardening, generously sharing his harvest with friends and family. A faithful member of Faith Independent Baptist Church, Merl lived his faith quietly and consistently. Merl loved and valued his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Jane; his daughters, Wanda (Ed) Turlington of Marietta, GA, and Vicki Pohl of Salt Lake City, UT; and his grandchildren, Kate, Grant, Thomas, Audrey, Liam, and River.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Millard Habegger, and his sister Arlene Mast. He is survived by his sister, Marie Strahm, and many other friends and extended family.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Heritage Gardens Cemetery, followed by a Tribute of Life at Faith Independent Baptist Church in Niceville.