Merlyn Gilbert, age 84, of Lakewood, CO, formerly of Hitchcock, SD, died Saturday, February 8, 2014, at his home in Lakewood. His funeral service will be 11:00 am Saturday, February 15, 2014, at United Methodist Church in Hitchcock. Burial will be at Altoona Cemetery, rural Hitchcock, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8 pm Friday, February 14, 2014, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with a prayer service at 7 pm; or Saturday morning one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be directed on-line to the Shriners Hospital for Children at http://support.shrinershospitals.org/goto/merlyngilbert Merlyn Merle Gilbert, son of Harold and Sophia (Friedrichs) Gilbert, was born on November 12, 1929, in Hitchcock, SD. He graduated from Hitchcock High School. On June 30, 1951, Merlyn married Joan Elaine Gamber of Carpenter, SD. They farmed in the Hitchcock and Doland areas before moving to Aberdeen, SD, then Lakewood, CO. Merlyn completed 35 years of distinguished service with the United States Department of Agriculture. His survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joan of Lakewood; four daughters, Gay Julian of Lakewood, CO, Zee Gilbert of Parker, CO, Kim Nohava of Ft. Collins, CO, and Joy McMillan of Boulder, CO; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gerald.