Funeral services for SFC, Ret. Dean R. Merkins Sr., Capt. SVFD, age 73 of Lineville, will be held on Friday April 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland with Rev. Raymond Long officiating. Burial with Military and Firefighter Honors will follow at Providence Cemetery.
Mr. Merkins passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at RMC in Anniston. He was born in Ada, Minnesota and spent most of his childhood in Hutchison, MN before enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He served three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, serving seven years as a Motor Transport Operator and 13 years as a Chemical Operations Specialist. All Together, he Retired after 20 years of dedicated service with numerous decorations and accommodations. After his retirement, he settled in Lineville in the early 90’s, worked several jobs before finding work at Madix, INC. He worked as an IT Specialist and Security for 13 years until he retired. In 1995, he joined the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department. He rose in the ranks over the year, ultimately being named Captain of the SVFD, won the Firefighter of the year award twice, and the years of service award. Mr. Merkins enjoyed playing Golf, buying Handy Man books for his wood working trade, and spending time outdoors as often as he could. He was a family man, often driving to Minnesota to see his brothers and sisters, or playing with his grandchildren. He was a true Volunteer, donating his time and energy to Hurricane Helene Relief when that community needed help. Captain Merkins had an opinion for every person and situation, and enjoying picking on those he cared about. He was generous with his time, always there to support to those in need, and had a big, loving heart. A true servant of his community, Captain Merkins was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Firefighter, Veteran, and friend to all.
He was survived by his daughter, Donna Jean Fratelli of Lineville; two sons, Kenny Yarbrough (Erica) of Dickinson, TX and Dean R. Merkins Jr. (Colleen) of Southern Pines, NC; ten grandchildren: Victoria, Rachel, Matthew, Joseph, Andrew, William, Ryan, Eli, Kaden, and Lily; six great grandchildren: Ethan, Adrianna, Hunter, Evangeline, Cyler, and Waylon; two sisters: Dorothy and Pamela; six brothers: Ronald, Donald, Pete, Paul, William, and Robert; and a host of special cousins and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Raymond Bertram Merkins and Doris Marie Rude Merkins; his wife, Norma Jean Merkins; and one son, Harold Yarbrough Jr.
Active pallbearers will be members of the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department: Wesley Sparks, Brett Young, Tiffany Young, Lori Sparks, Jesse Allen, and Daryl Wingo.
Honorary pallbearers will be the remaining members of the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department, Gerald Harris, Tony Babingtor, Scott Sparks, Scott Tannehill, Steve Hanners, Leon Suggs, and Robert Bianchi.
His visitation will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland.
Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements.
