Merlyn Eugene Oliver was born March 10, 1939 on the family farm near Canton, South Dakota to Merton and Myrtle (Toberson) Oliver. He attended grade school at Sunnyside #17 and graduated from Canton High School in 1957. Merlyn was in the National Guard for two years before enlisting in the US Navy. He served his country from 1959 to 1963. He then returned home to farm with his father. Merlyn so enjoyed his grade school days that in 1968 he bought Sunnyside schoolhouse, moved it to the farm and remodeled it into his home. Merlyn was united in marriage to Judith A. Gates on May 1, 1976. He enjoyed doing custom farm work, attending auctions and sales and was an Archer Oil sales representative for 20 years. Merlyn continued to farm with his son until his failing health prohibited it. Merlyn was an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church. He served on the boards of the Canton Township, Rural Fire Department and the Forest Hill Cemetery. He was a member of the Canton American Legion and the Siouxland Two Cylinder Club, as well as a lifetime member of the NFO and NFU. Merlyn was also a lifetime member of the Granite Thresherman's Association and served on it's board of directors. He participated in their annual threshing bees and was honored to be the 2005 Grand Marshall. Merlyn loved visiting with family and friends, Sunday drives, family trips, and especially "nap time". He also cherished his model tractor collection. Merlyn died Thursday, January 5th, 2006 at his home after a long battle with cancer. His parents and a nephew preceded him in death. Merlyn is survived by his wife, Judy and his children -- Michael (Angela) Oliver and Jennifer Oliver, both of Canton and Kathy DeCruz and Joseph Buttler, both of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Marissa and William Butler and Alexander DeCruz; his sister, Margaret (Don) Baldwin, Canton; four nieces, Madonna, Elizabeth, Julie Baldwin, all of Canton and Mary Baldwin, Sioux Falls and many other treasured friends.