Merlin Davis Rushing of Essex, son of the late Jefferson Dunlap and Mavis Louise Henry Rushing, was born on July 1, 1941, in Matthews, Missouri and passed away at the Clearview Nursing Home in Sikeston on November 17, 2018 at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 16 days.

Merlin had lived in Houston, Texas before moving to Essex fifteen years ago. He was a retired carpenter and was a member of the Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

On October 18, 1962 he was married to Lela Mae Daniels in Bloomfield, Missouri.

Surviving are his wife, Lela Mae Rushing of Essex; two sons, Thomas Rushing of Newport, Arkansas, Steve Rushing of Horn Lake, Mississippi; two daughters, Catherine Helenhouse of Mokane, Missouri, Cynthia Crossno of Jonesboro, Arkansas; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two brothers, J. E. Rushing of St. Charles, Misouri, Richard Rushing of Salem, Arkansas; and one sister, Shirley Horn of East Bangor, Pennsylvania. Other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by one brother, Clyde Rushing.

Visitation was held on Monday, November 19, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Services was held Tuesday November 20, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. in the Watkins & Sons Chapel with the Rev. Larry Cockman of Doniphan officiating.

Interment will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601.