Merlin W. Gamble

Merlin Wesley Gamble, 80, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017, with his beloved family at his side.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marna Kay, children, Kim Nelson (Brian), Karen Leighter (Scott) and Kristy Ira (Chad), all from Altoona, Iowa. The light of Merlin’s life were his children and his grandchildren: Madison Graeve (Cody), Zachary Leighter (Chelsie), Megan Nelson, Dylan Leighter, Jacob Nelson, Allee Ira and Bowen Ira and his great-grandchildren: Sawyer Graeve, Fletcher Graeve and Kash Leighter.

Merlin was born on November 5, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Wesley H. and Thelma R. (Toland) Gamble. Following graduation, Merlin served in the United States Air Force from August of 1955 to July 1959. He worked as a manufacturer’s representative for most of his career. After retiring from full time work, he had many part time jobs: golf course, Iowa Donor Network, and “officially” retired from Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Friday, July 28, 2017. He was an active member in the Castlegar Townhome Association. Merlin took pride in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and keeping active at the Altoona Campus.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2017, also at Hamilton’s, with burial to follow at Altoona Memorial Park Cemetery in Altoona, Iowa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Merlin may be directed to www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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