Merlin Armel

Merlin E. Armel went home to be with the Lord on March 17, 2008.
Merlin was born in Warren County and grew up in Fort Des Moines. Most of his life has been in Des Moines and West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home 605 Lyon St, Des Moines on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before the service.
Merlin was a member of First Church of the Nazarene. The last few years he was associated with Berean Assembly of God Church in Pleasant Hill. The last nine months he lived at Valley View Village. During the very active part of Merlin’s life, he was an active member of Debra Heights Wesleyan Church; served on the Church Board, an adult Sunday School teacher, and Song Leader for thirty years. Music was always very important to Merlin. Wherever there was music, he wanted to be present, sometimes be a part. He said several times, “I wake up in the morning with a song in my heart”.
Merlin was Chairman of the Board at the Des Moines Christian School, of which all his children attended. In the beginning years, he mortgaged their home to put a roof on the school, which was then being built at 63rd and Franklin in Des Moines. He lived the life, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.
Merlin remembered fondly his working years. He talked often of the approximately twenty years at the Retail Merchants. He met many nice people in the City of Des Moines, knew them by name and address. Fifty four hours a week was a normal work week. Then in 1961, he bought Reliable Rug Cleaning Company. Three men owning the company. A respected man owning a respected company. After retirement, his wife (Flora Belle) and he enjoyed many years of spending the winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Those were very good years.
Merlin leaves his children, Maxine Deaton (Duane) of Olathe, Kansas, Marilyn Krisinger (Robert) of Pleasant Hill, Donald Armel (Margo) of Altoona, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
Merlin was preceded in death by his wife of sixty four years, Flora Belle, his parents William and Olive Armel, four brothers and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Association or Samaritans Purse with Franklin Graham.

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