Merlin Dale Hehn

Merlin Dale Hehn, age 78, of Ellisville, MS lost his battle with medical issues Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Forest General Hospital. He fought a hard battle for many years. Merlin was born in Scotland, South Dakota. Throughout his life, Merlin was an athlete. He lettered in basketball and football and played on the Boston Red Sox farm league. He was often found running during his lunch breaks on the campus of J.C.J.C. His careers and opportunities took him to various parts of the world. He joined the military in 1954 serving his county until 1974. Merlin was involved in the fields of electronics and inertial guidance when those fields were at their mere infancy. He completed his service at Keesler Air Force Base teaching inertial guidance. Merlin was also a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following separation from the service he became an instructor at Jones Junior College where he served as Chairman of the Technical Education Division and taught electronics. Merlin was named Mississippi’s Outstanding Technical Educator of the Year 1981 at Mississippi State University and in 1982 he won the award as Outstanding Technical Instructor at the ATEA National Conference. Among his many accomplishments, he co-authored two text books in the area of electronics. Merlin was an honor graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, receiving a BS in Industrial Technology, MS in Industrial and Vocational Education; Ed.S in Education. He also holds an Air Force Master Instructor Certificate. Merlin Hehn was an outstanding member of professional and service organizations. He was a member of Toastmasters International, Ellisville Rotary Club, VFW, and the American Legion. He was a devout member of Immaculate Conception Church serving as Head Usher for many years. Merlin was predeceased by his parents, Ruben Henry and Lula Hehn and his sister Dian Hehn. Merlin leaves behind his beloved wife, Eloise (Ellie) Ann Hehn. They were married in Sequin, Texas and shared 57 wonderful years together. Merlin is also survived by his four daughters: Terry Livingston and her husband Bill of San Antonio, Texas; Debbie Chisolm and her husband Steve of Dallas, Texas; Betty Massey and her husband David of Mobile, Alabama; Lizzy Mayfield Frier and her husband Gary of Sarasota, Florida; seven grandchildren: Mandy Pinkerton and her husband Jeff of San Antonio, Texas; Jenny Simmons and her husband Ryan of Memphis, Tennessee; Melissa Benedict and her husband Tim of Killeen, Texas; Sarah Miller and her husband Ray of Shawnee, OK; Laura Beard and her husband Ryan of Warner Robbins AFB, Georgia; Eric Mayfield and his wife Lisa of Pensacola, Florida; Allison Ray and her husband Christian of Ft. Campbell, KY; ten great-grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. Merlin is also survived by a brother, Kenneth Hehn and his wife Rosalie of San Angelo, Texas; and a sister, Carol Hehn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. and Mass will follow visitation at 11 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Church in Laurel with Father Michael Thornton officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Parish Hall. A military funeral will be held at a later date with interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Merlin quietly entered the lives of so many from all walks of life. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather but at his core he was a Teacher. Merlin’s humor, compassion, and kindness will be missed. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Merlin Dale Hehn

July 24, 1936 - July 24, 2014