Merlyn R. Brow

Merlyn R. Brow, age 88, of Trufant, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids under the care of Corewell Health Hospice. He was born May 21, 1935 in Lake Leelanau, the son of Edmund & Delmina (Amore) Brow. On September 15, 1956 he married Barbara H. Stafford in Jefferson, Indiana and together, they owned and operated the Trufant Body Shop for 31 years, in addition to raising their family. Merlyn served in the United States Army during the Korean War in Germany, was a member of the American Legion, Brookside Golf League, loved Nascar Races, the Kentucky Derby, coached Little League and attended his grandchildren’s events. For over 25 years he and Barbara also enjoyed participating in the festivities of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville with friends. Merlyn is survived by his children Kathleen (Dan) Kristal of Hope, Keith Brow of Trufant, Scott & Donna Brow of Edgewood, Maryland, Sam & Deb Brow of Saline, and Bill Brow of Trufant; seven grandchildren, Phillip Ewing of Stanton, Benjamin Ewing of Greenville, Alex  (Emily) Ewing of Greenville; Nate (Shianne) Brow of Hudsonville, Brandon Brow of Grandville, Madison Brow of Ann Arbor, and Sullivan Brow of Auburn Hills; and ten great grandchildren, Trenton Ewing, Tia Ewing, Olivia Ewing, Evan Ewing, Preston Ewing, Kendall Ewing, Ahna Ewing, Camille Ewing, Addison Brow and Hudson Brow and; sister Eloise Heniser of Rockford; sisters in law Esther Brow of  Rockford and Cory Brow of Hemet, California; eight bonus grandchildren Jake & Amanda Kristal, Kaitlyn Kristal, Jessica Barz, Audrea Carter, Marsha Blizard, Amber McBride, Jeremiah McAllister and Megan Ray; special friend Mary Ellen Rose and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara on October 4, 2008, an infant son, Leonard Dee Brow and his parents.  A Memorial Luncheon will be held April 20, 2024 from 12 to 3 PM at Montcalm Township hall 1880 S Greenville Rd Greenville Mi 48838. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Merlyn’s name at give.corewellhealth.org/care (Corewell Health Hospice). Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.