Merlin L. Sams, 61, passed away suddenly Wednesday December 26, 2007 of a heart attack. Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 29, 2007 in the Gable Chapel at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Merlin was born in Des Moines, IA on July 15, 1946. He was a member of the last class to graduate from Altoona High School before it was consolidated with S.E. Polk H.S. Merlin met his future wife Sharon while getting a degree in drafting from Iowa State. He served in the US Army in Vietnam and returned to Iowa State University to attain a degree in Civil Engineering, becoming certified as a professional engineer. On September 3, 1966, Merlin married his college sweetheart Sharon Blake, their marriage lasted 41 years until his death. Merlin found his career home at Snyder Engineering of Ankeny in 1989. He moved from engineering to IT, believing he could maximize his contribution to the firm by providing high quality information technology. Following in his Father's footsteps, Merlin worked hard, paid attention to the details, and never demanded, seeing the best in all of us. Being quiet and shy, his attitude, commitment, and work spoke for him. Merlin's interests were many, but he most cherished the time and association with his Altoona classmates and his Snyder associates.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Sharon of Altoona, his Mother Louvele of Indianola, his sister Joyce Haworth of River Forest, Illinois, 10 nieces and nephews and all his friends at Snyder Engineering and the graduates of Altoona High School.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Animal Rescue League or the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation in his name.