Merlin Duane

Wood

Merlin Duane Wood, age 86, of Anderson, Missouri, passed away on Friday morning, September 4, 2026, at McDonald County Living Center. He was born on November 1, 1939, in Cottonwood, Minnesota, to the late Glenn and Gurtrude Wood.

Merlin was raised and graduated high school in Cottonwood.  On December 27, 1962, he was united in marriage to Mildred Kathleen "Kathy" Nelson and to this union, two children were born. Merlin and Kathy made their home in Marshall, Minnesota, until moving to Sullivan, Missouri, in 1979. Later, in 1998, they settled in Anderson, Missouri, where they remained.

Merlin served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force, a chapter of his life that reflected his sense of duty and commitment. He also worked as a boiler maker and later retired in 1998 from Associated Services, which he owned. Even after retirement, he remained active and industrious, working as a truck broker and assisting his son on the family farm.

In his spare time, Merlin enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, fishing, hunting, and metal detecting. He was an avid collector of many things and took great interest in the Minnesota Vikings. He was also a diehard Republican and held firm to the beliefs and convictions that shaped his life.

Merlin is survived by one daughter, JoAnna Wood; two grandchildren, Kayla Langford and her husband, Clayton, and Jacob Wood; two great-grandchildren, Bria and Sullivan Langford; as well as a host of other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Gurtrude Wood; his wife, Kathy Wood; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Debra Wood; and all twenty-two of his siblings.

Memorial services are 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Pineville Christian Church, with Pastor Justin Gill officiating.  Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.