Merrill Arthur Sebastian

 Merrill Arthur Sebastian, the son of Arthur and Kate Sebastian, was born August 29, 1933 in Spencer, Iowa.  Merrill went to his eternal home early in the morning of Saturday, July 21, 2018.   Merrill grew up on the family farm southwest of Spencer. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1951. On the same family farm he raised his own four children, Rod, Kevin, Jackie and Bryan.

     He continued to farm for many years including a custom hay baling operation. He also worked at the Spencer Foods Packing Plant and Eaton Corporation as well. He later owned and operated a lawn mowing business serving residential and business clients. He loved getting up early as he felt this was the best part of the day. He felt there was work that needed to be done whether it was on the farm or doing his lawns and it was best to get up and at it. Merrill enjoyed watching his grandchildren's school events, especially football, wrestling and drama. One of his favorite grandchildren activities was the snowmobile racing where he always stopped at the shop to say good luck. He was so proud of them all in whatever activity they did. Merrill volunteered groundskeeping work at Spencer Community Theater and was the 2005 Shakespeare Award recipient. He also volunteered his services at Foundation Church and had his hands in the work of the Smoky Mountain Central Railroad at the Clay County Fair.  He spent hours painting and constructing scenery that is displayed today.  Merrill loved sharing this with his grandchildren.  No matter where Merrill was working he always wanted to leave his mark for a job well done. He enjoyed going to plays, doing woodwork, gardening and most importantly going to church and spending time with family.

      Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Kate Sebastian, sisters Patricia and Nina. He is survived by his wife Dixie, 4 children, Rod (Lori) Sebastian from St. Paul, MN, Kevin (Melissa) Sebastian, Everly, IA, Jackie (Mike) Barrett, Green Mountain Falls, CO and Bryan (Shantell) Sebastian, Spencer, IA. He is also survived by step daughters LeAnne (Tim Weicorek) McVey, Spencer, IA, Bambi McVey, and step son Louis McVey. Merrill has seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

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