Obituary of Reverend Merlyn H. Klink

Merlyn Harry Klink, 85, departed this life on October 18, 2016. He was born on May 6, 1931, to Christian and Zella (Allender) Klink in Bridgeville (Kerwin Heights), PA. His journey ended peacefully, with much grace and dignity, reflecting a life lived in total service to God and others. With his eyes always on the goal, he is finally home. Merlyn attended school in Bridgeville, PA. After graduation he attended the University of Pittsburgh for two years, while studying Engineering. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He took Basic Training at Sampson AFB in Rome, New York. After Basic he was sent to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. He served for four years and was an Instructor in the Reciprocating Engine School. At discharge he had achieved the rank of Staff Sargent (SSGT). It was during this time he met the love of his life, Mary McCoy, from Burkburnett, TX. They met at the church pastored by her father. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954. Merlyn was discharged from the Air Force in 1955. At that time, he pursued the call to preach and enrolled in Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, OK (now Southern Nazarene University). After graduation from BNC, he took his first pastorate in Ellwood City, PA. He also pastored in Bradford, PA, Kansas City, MO, and Greenville, TX. In 1975, he moved to this area where he pastored Martin's Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Troup, TX (Concord Community) for a total of 25 years. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul, and served him for 58 years diligently. Merlyn also taught school, choosing a path that many would not have chosen by teaching Special Education in the public school system, beginning in PA in 1959. His last teaching position was at Carlisle ISD in Price, TX. He retired in 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents (Christian and Zella Klink), two brothers (Alvin & James), a sister (Florence Morgan), a Granddaughter (Haley Nichols, of Henderson), and a Grandson, (Cade Klink of Dodson). Survivors include his wife, Mary, and three children; Christi (Gary) Watkins of Palestine, Mark (Renessa Cardwell) of Dodson, and Marianne (Mark) Nichols of Henderson. Grandchildren are Tamara (Mark) McKamy of Keller, Brittani (Jonah) Sartain of Henderson, Krista (Rick) Osteen of Henderson, Brodie Klink of Wheeler, Mikala Klink of Dodson, Christi (Shane) Eddy of Miami, MO, and Brea Watkins of Marshall, MO. Nine Great-Grandchildren; Ashley Maya, Audrey Smith, Cruz and Emmi Sartain, Trace and Averly Osteen, Carson and Mackenzie Eddy, and Hayden Stephens. Two Great-Great-Grandchildren; Liam and Gemma Maya. He is also survived by numerous special nieces and nephews. Services will be Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at Martin's Chapel Church of the Nazarene in the Concord Community, Troup, TX. Visitation will be Friday, October 21, 2016, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Martin's Chapel. Dr. Sherman R. Reed, Chaplain, US Army Reserve Emeritus, Rev. David Baker, and Jonah Sartain, officiating. Pallbearers: Brodie Klink, Mark Nichols, Jonah Sartain, Rick Osteen, Gary Watkins, Mark McKamy. Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Costin, Wayne Hardy, Dan Hardy and David Rhodes Interment will be at Duncan Cemetery in Good Springs, as it was his wish to be buried near his Granddaughter, Haley. "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." Acts 11:24 In his memory and honor, donations may be made in his name to Martin's Chapel Church of the Nazarene Building Fund (569 CR 4610, Troup, TX, 75789)