Pattonsburg, MO: Merlin Dale Bozarth, 80, Pattonsburg, MO went to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Northcare Hospice in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Merlin was born to Robert and Evelyn (Groomer) Bozarth on May 8, 1940 in Pattonsburg, Missouri.
He was a graduate of Pattonsburg High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy for 4 years from 1958 to 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his discharge from the Navy, he and Clyde farmed together 45 years as Bozarth Brothers.
Merlin married his bride of 58 years on April 6, 1963 in Bethany, Missouri and from this union they were blessed with three children: Rob, Kathy and Karen.
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Pattonsburg, MO and was an active deacon for many years. He served on the Pattonsburg R-II School Board, the Marion Township Board and the Patriot Guard. Being a member of the Patriot Guard gave him a way to serve Veteran’s families, be outdoors and ride his much loved motorcycle. After retirement, he found joy in making daily visits to Rob’s Cycle and running errands for Rob.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clyde Bozarth.
Merlin is survived by his wife, Dianne of the home; son, Rob (Tricia) Bozarth, Pattonsburg, MO; daughters, Kathy (Brad) Weeks, St. Joseph, MO and Karen (Todd) Pruitt, Harrisburg, Virginia; 9 grandchildren, Bailey (Drake) Daniel, Timothy (Heather) Weeks, Becca (Joe) Bridgman, Josiah Weeks, Nathan (Camarie) Weeks, Sarah Weeks and Kate, Ryan and Matthew Pruitt; 2 step-grandchildren, Trevor (Kacee) Ott and Dillon Ott; 5 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Bozarth, Pattonsburg, MO; brother-in-law, Gerald (Kay) Parker, Bethany, MO; 1 niece and 2 nephews.
He was a faithful and loving husband, a wise and generous father and a caring and kind grandfather. Merlin loved his God, his family and his land that he faithfully tended. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 8 at the First Baptist Church, Pattonsburg, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Pattonsburg, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in the Koger Cemetery, Pattonsburg, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church where social distancing will be observed and masks recommended. Memorials may be made to the Koger Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 152, Pattonsburg, MO 64670. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com