Merlin Joseph Oliver, 74, beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, and Friend, of Kennewick, WA, passed away on March 1, 2012 at the Kennewick Hospice House.

He was born on August 14, 1937 in Lawtell, LA. He moved to the Tri-Cities on November 22, 1963. Merlin worked as a bookkeeper at Petroleum Pump for many years and most recently he retired from Coldwell Banker, where he made many friends. Merlin was a very happy man that made friends easily. He had a group of buddies he called his Thursday Lunch Bunch. He should be remembered for his love of family, friends, horse races, The Cafe at Queensgate, and, of course, the hydroplane races.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents Percy and ArmeziaDuplechein Oliver, daughter Janice Simar and Grandson Timmy Oliver.

He is survived by Betty Oliver, his son Merlin Joe Oliver Jr Janet, daughter Claudine FurnissDoug, Granddaughters Dannielle Fontenot-Benoit, Angel Simar, Justine Simar, Lana Simar, and Kylia Nicholls, Great Grandchildren Gavin and Cassie Benoit, Sisters Betty Magruder and Gladys DarbonneDelvin and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and a very special friend and brother in law Gene BaumEdna.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 10th at 2pm at the LDS church located at 724 Pittsburgh Street in Kennewick, WA. A special gathering for family and friends to reminisce will follow the service.