He grew up alongside his siblings, Sheldon, Rex, Jack, Danny, and Jan, forming strong family roots that carried on throughout his entire life. On June 12, 1965, he married the love of his life, Nora Cox, at the Terre Haute United Methodist Church. The two met as teenagers at the Lomax gas station. They were true soul mates and remained devoted to one another throughout their marriage. In a full circle moment, and later in life, Merlin and Nora purchased that very same gas station where their story began- a place they still own today, standing as a lasting reminder of their unwavering love.
Merlin was a devoted father to Gayla (Mark), Tina (Dwayne), and Gale (Wenda). He was a proud grandfather to Cynthia, Carissa, Chavana, Chasika, Chyller, Sara, Jeff, Colton, Shayna, Emma, Latasha, Brett and Joshua. They adopted four grandchildren, Kataya, Bryar, Michaela, and Brynlea. They were blessed with 36 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, a legacy that continues to grow.
A hard working and dedicated man, Merlin spent many years working at Lehigh-Leopold and Alters Metal Recycling in Burlington, Iowa. Known for his strong work ethic, Merlin had a natural ability to build, repair, and create. Outside of work, Merlin was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved “junking”, always seeing possibility where others saw scrap. His inventive spirit was evident in the smelting machine he built himself, converting aluminum into solid nuggets and bars- just one example of his ingenuity and hard working nature.
Merlin will be rememberd for his resourcefulness, loyalty, orneriness, and deep love for his family. His presence, stories, and funny personality will be deeply missed by all who had the honor to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers. Rex and Sheldon Bennett.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, Illinois, with Pastor Dan Buck officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until time of services, at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Please visit Merlin’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
Charles A. Brinkman, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, died Monday, January 26, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospital Downtown. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Jim was born February 19, 1934 in LaHarpe, the son of Arlie and Helen (Wilson) Owsley. On October 12, 1952 he married Donna Jean McPeak in Blandinsville, Illinois. She preceded him in death October 4, 2012.
Jim was a graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, he was employed as Superintendent of the LaHarpe Water Department for 10 years. He spent most of his life working on the assembly line, as an inspector and forklift operator at Case in Burlington, Iowa. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, boating, being at his cabin in Heapsville and wintering in Florida. He was a past member of the LaHarpe Fire Department and was an active member of the UAW #401.
Survivors include his four daughters: Janice Russo of LaHarpe and Tampa, Florida, Eva Jean Warren of Tampa, Joyce Crabill of Cape Coral, Florida and Joanna Schenck of LaHarpe; nine grandchildren: Terri (Patrick) Barnett, Brigitte Russo, Michael Rusher, Kathy (Brian) Solis, Mark Crabill, Benjamin Crabill, David Crabill, Daniel (Barbara) Schenck and Melissa (Tyler) Monroe; ten great-grandchildren and four siblings: Sharon Musselman of Midland, Texas, Bernard Owsley of Ft. Madison, Craig (Cindy) Owsley of LaHarpe and Max (Caroline) Owsley of LaHarpe.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son in infancy: David; and four siblings: Violet Allen, Donald Owsley, Arlene Lovell and Marie Basso.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Graveside service will follow at LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Fire Department. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Jim’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Doris D. Remaly, 77, of New London, died Saturday, January 24, 2026 at New London Specialty Care. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Esther Carolyn (Miller) Christner, 83, of Wayland, died Friday, January 23, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Neil Warner, 52, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, January 22, 2026 at his home. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
