Merlyn E. Strom

Merlyn E. Strom, age 82, of Corinth, TX, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Denton, TX.  Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD. Pastor Steve Biswell will officiate.

Visitation will be prior to the funeral services on Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Funeral Honors Team of the U.S. Air Force.

On February 17, 1943, Merlyn E. Strom was born to Ed and Jennie Strom in Watertown, SD. He was baptized as an infant on June 22, 1944, and confirmed in the Grace Lutheran Church. He attended Watertown School and graduated in the class of 1961. In December of 1963, Merlyn was married to Beverly (Buckholtz) Strom also at Grace Lutheran Church.

In 1962, he joined the Air Force. During his military service, he served in many locations: Texas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Washington DC, Spain, Germany, Iceland, Colorado, and Vietnam. He was presented the Bronze Star in Vietnam. In 1990, he retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant (E8).

Merlyn’s hobbies included collecting coins, hunting, and fishing. He loved watching old “Gun Smoke” movies, playing Skip-Bo, and most of all celebrating with his family and grandchildren.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter, Kimberly (Ray) of Katy, TX; two sons, Richard (Barbara) of Ft. Worth, TX, and Matthew (Michelle) of Gainesville, TX; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon (Marion) Strom of Sioux Falls, SD; three sisters: Janet (Larry) Little of Watertown, SD, Adeline Strom of Watertown, SD, and Julie (Jim) Ruud of Austin, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ed and Jennie Strom.

Arrangements entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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