Merlin Dean Schantz, Jr, was born on November 20th, 1958, and passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2025 at the age of 66 years, 8 months and 5 days.

He was the second child of Dean and Grace Schantz, welcomed by his older sister, Debora. A few years later, his brother, Steven, completed the family. From an early age, Merlin loved being outdoors and helping his dad on the family farm north of Hydro. He always preferred time in the shop over time in the classroom. As a young child, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was later baptized.

Merlin met Lillian Thiessen of Colony, OK while serving together on a youth work trip in Idaho and fell in love. After dating for a couple years, they were married on March 11, 1978, in Weatherford, OK. They made their first home north of Hydro on a corner of the family farm and began raising their family. They later purchased the farm from his parents and moved into his childhood home. Their children—Elizabeth, Jana, Benjamin, and Aaron—were all brought up surrounded by farm life and the values of faith, hard work, and service.

Farming was more than Merlin's livelihood; it was his calling. He farmed as unto the Lord and desired to honor God with all that he did. He partnered with the OSU Research Team to host numerous trials on his land and was an active member of several growers' organizations.

Church was central to Merlin's life. His faith was not just something reserved for Sundays—it shaped how he lived every day. He served in many roles over the years including greeter, usher, board member, and always lent a hand with building projects. Merlin had a heart for mentoring—supporting pastors, young farmers, and anyone in need of encouragement.

For the past twenty years, Merlin was deeply involved in NetMenders Ministry, a group dedicated to supporting pastors in South Texas and northern Mexico. He made frequent trips south to plan and work on ministry projects, and spent several weeks each February with the team to lead and complete the work. He especially loved bringing new people into the group and watching them grow in faith as they served others together.

As his sons grew up, they joined him in the farming operation, and together they farmed crops including wheat, cotton, peanuts, milo, chili peppers, spinach, and carrots—just about anything he thought might grow in Oklahoma. Though farming wasn't always profitable, it brought the family together and created countless memories and life lessons. In recent years, Merlin cherished his role as Grandpa and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Merlin is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lillian Schantz, of the home; four children: Elizabeth (Kurtis) Richert of Buhler, KS, Jana (Matthew) Machniak of Adrian, MI, Benjamin (Sarah) Schantz of Weatherford, OK, and Aaron Schantz of Hydro, OK. Merlin is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Abigail, Benaiah, Caleb, Gabriel, Elijah, and Isaiah Machniak; Daniel, Shoshana, David, Josiah, and Samuel Schantz; and Alexis and Nathaniel Schantz. He is also survived by his sister Debora (Anthony) Hooper, brother Steven Schantz; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin Dean and Grace Schantz, and his adopted sister, Lea Schantz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: NetMenders Ministry, ℅Tom McConn, 971 Halsey Ave SE, Buffalo, MN 55312.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Weatherford, OK, with Earl Stephenson and Ryan Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Hydro Masonic Cemetery.

The family will greet neighbors and friends on Tuesday, July 29th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lockstone Funeral Home in Weatherford, OK.