On November 30, 2012, Merlin Willard True, age 87, of Richland, Washington, lost his valiant, courageous battle with cancer.  Merlin was born in Greenleaf, Kansas on November 12, 1925, to Chris and Hulda True.  Upon completion of high school, Merlin enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Corregidor and USS Lake Champlain.   After World War II, Merlin entered business school in Omaha, Nebraska.  He worked with his father's construction company in Kansas before moving to the Tri-City area in 1948 to work for Urban-Smith & Warren, followed by General Electric and Douglas United Nuclear.  He was later employed by Exxon Nuclear, Framatome, and retired from Seimens Corporation.  
    Merlin and his wife, Agnes, loved participating in the camping Caravaners and Rambling Rover's Traveling Groups.  He was a member of the Richland Knights of Columbus and an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Richland VFW.  He was a loving, devoted father, son, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  
Merlin is survived by his wife Agnes, sons David Laura True, Duane Jill True, and daughters Janice Jim Nacke and Joyce Rob Gilbert.  He has five nieces and three nephews.  Merlin has thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who he found to be the joy of his life.
Merlin was preceded in death by his father Chris and mother Hulda True, sister Melba True Sedlacek and brother Phil O'Neil True.  
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Einan's Funeral Home on Monday, December 3, 2012.  Rosary at Einan's on December 3, 2012, at 6:30 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, Richland, Washington, at 11:00 am with burial immediately following the service.  A reception will be held in the Gathering Place back at Christ the King Church immediately following the burial.  
Memorial donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, Richland, Washington; Hospice at the Chaplaincy, Kennewick, Washington; or a charity of preference.