Merlin Ray Swink, aged 81, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita, Kansas. Born on December 24, 1943, in Satanta, Kansas, Merlin was a father and a talented craftsman.

Merlin was a true jack of all trades, starting out as a farmer then making a living welding truck beds, selling Snap-On Tools, then selling and installing steel and vinyl siding, replacement windows, and roofs. At the age of 53 he earned a bachelor's and a teaching certificate from Southwestern College (via BCC) before serving as a corrections officer.

Merlin was not what you would call the artistic type, but you'd be wrong.  He had a knack for most anything he tried, even the arts—everything from woodcarving to leatherwork including pottery, wire art, and rudimentary stone carving. His tool inventory rivaled most neighborhood hardware stores and he knew how to use each properly.

Merlin was preceded in death by his mother Bertha Hazel Swink, father Harrel Eugene Swink, brother Eldon Swink, and sisters LaVesta Locklin, Merna Swink, and Tammy Swink, as well as his wife Phylis Swink. His legacy continues through his daughter Elizabeth Rizzo and four sons Vaughn(Alicia)Swink, Darren(Dana)Swink, Jason(Cathy)Swink, and Nathan Swink, as well as 12 grandchildren, and  four great-grandchildren.

When he wasn't watching Royals Baseball, Merlin was working on a project. He embraced each job with curiosity and wisdom. His loved ones will remember him often.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for noon to 5pm on June 6th, 2026 at Island Park in Winfield, KS, where Merlin often walked his dog Woody. His ashes are to be buried nearby at Mount Vernon Cemetery on the same day. For more information about the Celebration of life please contact Nathan at Swink.Nathan.P@Gmail.com.

If you would like to donate to a cause in Merlin Ray Swink's name, here are a few he supported: The Audubon Society, The Wilderness Society, The National Park Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Union of Concerned Scientists, and The Nature Conservatory. He will be greatly missed.