This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: HINES, HEAVEN, DETTMANN, PRICE, DIGGS, PENNINGTON, COCHRAN, BOWMAN Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/25673/mb.ashx Message Board Post: HINES, Merlin Sr. Of Wellston Formerly of Vicksburg Passed away peacefully Saturday evening, January 2, 2010 at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee, with his loving family and friends by his side. He was born August 31, 1925 in Ionia, MI, the son of Fred and Lena (Heaven) Hines. Merlin served as a member of the Michigan State Troops during World War II. On October 16, 1953, he was united in marriage to Faye Dettmann in Kalamazoo. Merlin was employed by James River Paper Co. for over 37 years until his retirement in 1987. He graduated valedictorian from Vicksburg Adult Education in 1989. Merlin was a life member of Dads of the VFW and a member of Sons of the American Legion. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Faye Hines; their four children, M. Thomas (Deb) Hines, Jr. of Salem, OR, Lynne (Robert) Price of Vicksburg, Carla (David) Diggs of Indianapolis, IN, and Mary Pennington, of Lake Odessa, MI; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Lillian Cochran of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Precedi! ng him in death were his parents; two grandsons, Jason Hines and Brandon Bowman; and two brothers, Verle and Wayne Hines. A Celebration of Merlin's Life will be at 3:00 PM on Friday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue, with Pastor Louis Grother officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 12:00 PM until the time of services at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Merlin's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family. Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on January 6, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.