Merlin L. Cantwell

Wilson – Funeral Services for Mr. Merlin L. “Buck” Cantwell of Cornish are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel of Wilson with Jeffrey D. Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery in Healdton with Military Honors provided by the Chickasaw Honors Team. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Wilson.

Buck was born February 1, 1931 at Grady, OK to the late Mr. Noah Edwin Cantwell and Mrs. Gertrude Virginia (Cox) Cantwell. He departed this life Saturday September 1, 2012 at Healdton.

Buck was a raised at Zaneis where he attended school. He graduated from Zaneis High School in 1950. Soon afterwards, he was united in marriage to the former Ms. Peggy Joyce Williams. He then entered the United States Army on September 1, 1950 during the Korean War. Buck served honorably as a Technical Sgt. Tank Operator as part of the 179th Tank Company of the 45th infantry Division until his honorable discharge on May 30, 1952. He returned to this area and was employed at Karstetter Pontiac of Healdton for 5 years, before gaining employment at the Healdton NAPA Store. He became very well known in the community of Healdton. He served as Mayor and City Councilman for many years and was a volunteer fireman for the Healdton Volunteer Fire Dept for 27 years. As the parts Store Manager, Buck gained a great knowledge for parts and automobiles and was always willing to help others at anytime. He retired from the Parts store after 45 years of employment. Peggy preceded him in death on February 4, 1989.

He and Elaine Scott were united in marriage on May 12, 2001 at Ardmore. Two days after Buck’s retirement from NAPA, he anxiously began his 3rd career as Law Office Manager with his wife Elaine in Healdton. There he once again enjoyed meeting people with a familiar smile assisting the public. Buck attended and was a member of the Ringling United Methodist Church. He was also a proud resident of Cornish Community.

In addition to his wife Peggy, also preceding him in death are his Parents, Four Infant Siblings, and other siblings, Eugene, Elmer, Edward, Lavinia Albin, Virginia Mallory and Belvia Stiles.

Survivors include his wife Elaine of the home; Children, Rick Cantwell and wife Cheryl of Ardmore, Jon M. Scott and wife Shannon of Las Vegas, NV and Jeffrey D. Scott and wife Tonya of Maple Grove, MN; Sister, Mildred Morris of Purcell; Grandchildren, Aaron Davis, Ryan T. Scott, Logan J. Scott, Greyson Scott, Hudson Scott, Tanner J. Scott and Granddaughter, Taylie Jaye Scott. Numerous other family and friends.

Casket Bearers are Don Morris, Jim Webb, Jim Casteel, Steve Scott, Chet Dewey and Mike Hisey.

Honorary Bearers are Mike Dunn, Roger Porterfield, and Charles Stiles.

Family visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Wilson.

Donations may be made in memory of Buck to the Healdton Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 926; Healdton, OK 73438

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.