Merlin Hurt

Merlin Richard Hurt went to his heavenly home on January 25, 2018. Merlin was born March 22, 1926 in Comanche, Texas, the only child of Fred and Otho Hurt. Merlin was a devoted Christian husband, father and grandfather. Merlin married his high school sweetheart, Janie Miller of Mereta, Texas. After several moves, the family of four called San Angelo their home. Merlin and Janie, a faithful team of Park Heights Baptist Church, loved and served the Lord. As a life member of the Heritage Men’s Bible class, Finance and Baptist Association Boards, and as a favorite church greeter, Merlin was a true West Texas gentleman who showed respect to all! As a member of the Army Air Force in WWII and honoree of the Honor Flight Austin # 39. Merlin was president of the Quiet Birdman Aviation Honor Organization, San Angelo Chapter. Before his retirement in 1990, as Air Traffic Controller and Area Supervisor for the Federal Aviation Administration, Merlin served as president of the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Merlin enjoyed his antique cars and served as president of the Antique Car Club. He and Janie enjoyed several parades and often won first place with his spiffy treasure! Merlin and Janie enjoyed time with their Bridge and Forty-Two Club friends. They loved to entertain and host in their home. The Hurt Home was always a welcoming place with open hearts and often home cooked meals! Merlin served on the Boards of the San Angelo Federal Credit Union and Hochheims Prairie Insurance. Dubbed as an interesting and kind man, Merlin’s friendly and caring way and counsel touched those who knew him. Pilots working with Merlin also saw him as a true gentleman, knowledgeable and dependable. Merlin was preceded in death by his wife, Janie; his parents, Fred and Otho Hurt; his in-laws, W.O. and Maggie Miller and nephew, Kent Miller. Merlin is survived by son, Ricky Hurt and wife, Margaret of Montrose, Colorado; daughter, Cindy Butler and husband, Mitch of San Angelo, Texas, and grandson, Brady Quam of San Angelo, Texas; Brother-in-law Dwain Miller and wife, Doris of Fort Collins, Colorado; Blake Miller of Fort Collins, Colorado; Mark Miller of Arvada, Colorado; and niece, Valerie Weickmann of Fircrest, Washington. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 30 at The Heights Church, with Dr. James A. Miller officiating. Donations may be made to The Heights Church, Kindred Hospice, Meals for the Elderly or the Daily Bread-San Angelo Soup Kitchen.