Merlin Ray "Mert" Parlett

Loved the Lord!  Loved his Country!  Loved his Family!

Merlin Ray Parlett, 76, of Jackson, MI, went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2023.  Merlin was born on June 29, 1947, to Lester and Kathleen Parlett of Owosso, Michigan.  He is survived by his wife Joycelyn Parlett of 21 years.  Merlin was the beloved father of Robert (Dawnielle) Parlett, Anissa Rozier, Lester (Dana) Parlett, Dale (Jennifer) Bloss, Joshua (Christina) Whitney and Jessica (Tony) Smith.  Merlin was also a grandfather to 17 wonderful grandchildren and a great grandfather to 10.  Though he loved fishing, woodworking, and camping, Merlin’s favorite role was that as a grandparent.  He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa, never failing to spoil whoever was with him.  He is also survived by his brother Gary (Sherrie) Parlett of Otsego, MI. 

Merlin graduated from Owosso High School in 1966.  Following graduation Merlin enlisted in the Army.  Merlin has a combined 32 years of service between the Army, National Guard and Army Reserves.  During his time in the Military, Merlin went on to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice through Lansing Community College.  Over the course of his life Merlin earned numerous recognitions for his time in Military and his service as a Corrections Officer.

Merlin met the love of his life, Joyce, in 2002 while working as a Corrections Officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections as she was an Environmental Service Worker working for the Hospital.  In a chance meeting he was encouraged by an unlikely person to ask her out.  Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married February 28th of 2003.  Merlin had a soft spot for all animals, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were.  His most recent love was Rebel, a rescue pit bull, who he spoiled and treated like a princess.

Merlin retired from Michigan Department of Corrections in 2008.   While transitioning into retirement he was never able to slow down between his hobby farm and family travels.  He then picked up a job working at the local Dollar Tree in Charlotte where he met numerous new friends. He was friendly and outgoing and talked to everyone he could.  Merlin was the type of guy you could talk with about anything. 

There will be a Celebration of Merlin’s life on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 11am at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Mi with Michael D. Mason officiating.  At Merlin’s request, he will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI following the service at 2pm. (Please arrive by 1:50pm).

There will be visitation on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Watson Funeral Chapel from 4:00-7:00pm and one hour prior to the service.  

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