​Merlin Keith Dana, 82, of Coleman, MI, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024. He was born in Coleman on June 13, 1941, the son of the late Lawrence and Hilda (Rankey) Dana. 
 
Merlin married Edna Ann Huss November 26, 1965, in Gladwin, MI. Merlin entered the U.S. Army on April 4th, 1960 and served at Ft. Knox, Ft. Benning, Ft. Bragg, and then spent 17 months in South Korea. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1071 in Coleman and a lifetime member of the 1st Calvary Division Alumni. He served as the Post Commander of the Coleman VFW from 2008-2009 and enjoyed helping with bingo through the years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 558 in Farwell. 
 
Merlin worked at Robinson Industries prior to going into the Army. He then went to work at Dow Chemical as a pipefitter/welder/multicraftsman. He retired in 1995 after a 29 year career.   In his retirement, Merlin enjoyed farming and delivering dialysis supplies for home dialysis patients. He was also active in deer hunting, fishing, and enjoyed being in the woods. He also had a lot of talent in all kinds of building trades. 
 
Merlin loved his family and looked forward to his yearly trips to Grand Marais, where he spent time picking blueberries, finding agates, and fishing. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Survivors include his daughter, Tanya and Paul Simon of Clare; son, Glen and Jennifer Dana of Russellville, KY; three grandsons, Zachary and Katelynn Simon; Tyler and Kayla Simon; and Evan Dana; great grandchildren, Oliver, Wyatt, and Aubrey Simon, brother Charles Dana of Coleman, sisters: Ruth Curtis of Midland, Evelyn Vogel of Midland, Esther Cadman of Sanford, Rose & Robert Carrow of GA, Jan & Oscar Hendrick of CO, Patricia & David Smithkey of Flushing,  Rhoda & Paul “Joe” Toth of Coleman, many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Edna, brother Don, and sister Mary.
 
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Coleman, with Pastor Lisa Kelly and grandson, Zachary Simon, officiating. Burial will take place in the Warren Township Cemetery, Coleman. Friends may call at the O’Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc., on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8p.m. and Saturday at the church starting at 10a.m. until the time of service. Memorials are suggested to the Coleman VFW Post 1071.