John David Merklin

John David Merklin left this world to begin his journey with our Lord on Friday, June 17, 2011. He was 52 years old. John was born on December 2, 1958 in Florence, Pinal County, Arizona to the late Dale E Merklin and Lucinda Catherine (Starns) Eason. Though he was born in Florence, John was raised in San Diego, California as well as Coolidge, Arizona. He graduated from Apache Junction High School where he was very involved with its wrestling program. John loved rodeos, too. He enjoyed watching them and participating in them. He was a competitive bronc and bull rider, winning several buckles over the years and was affectionately know as "Cowboy" to many. On April 5, 1980, this "Cowboy" married the true love of his life, Linda Sue Webb. They most recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary together. At the age of 19, in 1977, John began working along side his dad, Dale, at Merklin Crane and Welding. They worked throughout the entire state of Arizona and helped build many of the Sonic Drive-Ins here. In the construction industry, they quickly became known to be the best roofers and welders around and could fix ANY leak. In February of 1991, John and Linda moved to the White Mountains. For the past 14 years he worked for Carlson Electric and was an expert electrician's journeyman. John loved living in the mountains and appreciated the beauty of the great out-of-doors and all the activities that could be found there. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper. John also enjoyed spending the day on the lake boating. John was a gentle giant of a man and had a beautiful soul. He was known for his "big heart" and his generous acts of kindness throughout his life. If anyone ever asked for help, John was always there, in a heartbeat, to lend his capable hands. There was nothing that John could not do. He was so talented and giving and always thinking how he could serve the needs of his neighbor. There are many who will miss his generosity and friendship. However, none will miss him more than his own family. John David "Cowboy" Merklin is survived by: his wife, Linda S. Merklin of Vernon, Arizona; 3 sons: Derreck Merklin of Vernon, Arizona, Trenton Merklin of Vernon, Arizona, Elliott Merklin of Vernon, Arizona; 1 granddaughter, Raina Merklin of Lakeside, Arizona; 2 brothers: Mike (Theresa) Adams of San Diego, California, Danny (Myrna) Adams of San Diego, California; 3 sisters: Linda (David) Murphey of Safford, Arizona, Billie (Orlando) Gonzales of Casa Grande, Arizona and Cindy (Mark) Neumann of Minnesota. Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, Brandon E Merklin on July 16, 2010 and a sister, Jeannie Vales in 2008. A service Celebrating the Life of this incredible man will be held at 10:00AM Wednesday June 29, 2011 at the Raven Ramada at Fool Hollow Lake. For those attending just let the guard know you are there for the Celebration of Life for John.