On October 27,2020, Merle Ivens Guthrie, loving husband, father and papa passed away at the age of 80 years old. Merle was born on November 20, 1939 in Sharon, Oklahoma to Buck and Grace (Winstead) Guthrie. He graduated from Sharon High School in 1958. Merle was a rancher and worked for Woodward County for 33 years. He served on the Vici School Board from 1980-1985. Merle served one term as a Woodward County Commissioner for Precinct 2 from 1990-1996. On December 27, 1959 he married the love of his life, Marla Ellen Brockelman and together they raised 3 children, Craig, Lynn, and daughter Christina.
Merle loved working and living in the country. He took great pride in clearing his pastures of salt cedars. Merle enjoyed raising cattle, good horses, reading books, and watching western movies, particularly Roy Rogers. Merle enjoyed time with his family while roasting marshmallows and telling scary stories to the grandkids and was always willing to take care of that rooster that chased them down at the barn. Merle held closely to his faith and the knowledge of his heavenly reunion with his beloved wife Marla. Merle was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sharon, Oklahoma
Merle was preceeded in death by his parents Buck and Grace Guthrie, brother Oral Jr, wife Marla, son Kent, nephew Timothy and great-nephew Blake Guthrie.
Merle is survived by 3 children, Craig Guthrie of Vici, OK; Lynn Guthrie and wife Janet, children, Nicole, Destry and Vanessa Guthrie of Canadian, TX; Christina Fields and husband Eddie, children Tailor, Jacie and Tristan Fields of Wynona, Oklahoma; brother Cecil Guthrie and wife Linda of Sharon, OK; nephew Troy Guthrie, children Katie and Gracie Guthrie of Vici, OK; Callee Sander and husband Clay, children Kyah and Kamee Sander of Seiling, OK, Hannah Guthrie of Hydro, OK ; niece Tereasa Kirkwood and husband John of Sharon, OK and their daughter Brenna along with many other family and friends who helped make life memorable.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Sharon, OK at 1:00 pm. under the direction of Billings Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Sharon, OK. Services may viewed online on the Billing Funeral Home FaceBook Page.