March 1, 1938 – January 17, 2026
Merlin Calmer, Sr., 87, of Boone, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Boone County Hospital in Boone.
Merlin was born on March 1, 1938, the son of Raymond and Frances (Cooney) Calmer.
He joined the US Army in 1961, and served honorably until 1981. During one of his tours in Germany, Merlin was a Border Patrol 1st Sergeant at Fulda Gap during the Cold War. While serving, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Merlin married Linda Thacker in 2013, at the Omaha Courthouse.
Merlin enjoyed riding his Harley, camping, traveling, and spending time with his children. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Merlin leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda Calmer of Boone; his three dogs, Taffy, Daisy, and Bella; four children, Kevin (Jayne) Calmer of Boone and Merlin “Tad” Calmer, Jr. of Boone, Kimberly (Kelly) Buck of Boone and Sheila (Mike Sotter) Thompson of Boone; four step-children, Ken Hill of Omaha, NE, Jeff Hill of Boone, Dean Hill of Boone, and Carly Hill Council Bluffs; one grandson, Kody Calmer; two great-grandchildren, Kamie Calmer and Liam Calmer; two sisters, Connie Worl Calmer of Omaha and Kaye Risden of Gilbert; and a nephew, Donnie Hansen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone.
schroedermemorialchapel.com