Merlin Wayne Todd, age 77, of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 10:56 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 10, 1948 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Charles (Chuck) and Fern Tate Todd. He was a lifelong resident of Lomax, a place he was proud to call home.
He grew up alongside his siblings, Sheldon, Rex, Jack, Danny, and Jan, forming strong family roots that carried on throughout his entire life. On June 12, 1965, he married the love of his life, Nora Cox, at the Terre Haute United Methodist Church. The two met as teenagers at the Lomax gas station. They were true soul mates and remained devoted to one another throughout their marriage. In a full circle moment, and later in life, Merlin and Nora purchased that very same gas station where their story began- a place they still own today, standing as a lasting reminder of their unwavering love.
Merlin was a devoted father to Gayla (Mark), Tina (Dwayne), and Gale (Wenda). He was a proud grandfather to Cynthia, Carissa, Chavana, Chasika, Chyller, Sara, Jeff, Colton, Shayna, Emma, Latasha, Brett and Joshua. They adopted four grandchildren, Kataya, Bryar, Michaela, and Brynlea. They were blessed with 36 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, a legacy that continues to grow.
A hard working and dedicated man, Merlin spent many years working at Lehigh-Leopold and Alters Metal Recycling in Burlington, Iowa. Known for his strong work ethic, Merlin had a natural ability to build, repair, and create. Outside of work, Merlin was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved “junking”, always seeing possibility where others saw scrap. His inventive spirit was evident in the smelting machine he built himself, converting aluminum into solid nuggets and bars- just one example of his ingenuity and hard working nature.
Merlin will be rememberd for his resourcefulness, loyalty, orneriness, and deep love for his family. His presence, stories, and funny personality will be deeply missed by all who had the honor to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers. Rex and Sheldon Bennett.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, Illinois, with Pastor Dan Buck officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until time of services, at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Please visit Merlin’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
