Merlyn Noland

Merlyn "Slugger" Noland, 63, of Adair, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center, Iowa.

Merlyn Clark Noland was born September 4, 1953, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, to Merle B. and Carol J. (Spangler) Noland. He attended the Adair-Casey schools graduating from Adair-Casey High School in 1971. On December 12, 1971, he was united in marriage to Teresa Betts at the United Methodist Church in Adair.

Merlyn's career spanned employment with John Deere in Adair, farming for 20 years, working at Laughery Livestock Auction in Guthrie Center and being a local truck driver for Agri Drain out of Adair.

He belonged to the Adair-Casey Conservation Club, was on the Guthrie County 4-H Council, a Grant Sky Eagle 4-H group leader, ‘Frank' in reenactments of the Jesse James Gang, and member of the Adair City Council.

Slugger was loved by many, hated by few, but respected by all. There was never a question about where anyone stood in his eyes. He spent many years on the family farm which came with many headaches, as well as much joy. He especially enjoyed his horses which joined him on many travels and visited more places than they should have. If there was a horse, there was a good time to be had by all.

Slugger's pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He became softer with each addition and was always the "go to" guy. Always with a smile, a handful of chocolate, and a spirit full of mischief and trouble.

Slugger could be found in many places depending on the time of day...especially during his retirement. In the mornings, the boys would harass the employees and customers at Casey's over coffee, many days and afternoons were spent at Harkin's, and the night would end off surrounded by friends which had become family at a couple different local watering holes.

Preceding Merlyn in death are his father, Merle B. Noland; granddaughter, Jade Sierra Moss; sister, Sheila Noland; and father-in-law, Don Betts.

Those surviving him are his wife, Teresa Noland of Adair, IA; children, Michael (Aimee) Noland of Adair, IA and Heather (Jeff) Shutters of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Sydney and Ryne Noland of Adair, IA, Kobe and Jordis Moss of Atlantic, IA; mother, Carol Noland of Adair, IA; mother-in-law, Darlene Betts of Atlantic, IA; siblings, Sheryl (Bob) Miller of Adair, IA, Jewel (Dennis) Lawson of Independence, MO; sisters-in-law, Darla (John) Martin of Anita, IA, Patti (Duane) Avey of Adair, IA, Vicki (Alan) Taylor of Rocklin, CA; and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests memorials to the family to use per Sluggers wishes.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017, at Hockenberry Family Care in Adair, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Adair, Iowa.