Jay 'Merlin' Johns

Jay ‘Merlin’ Johns, of Norman, Oklahoma, died October 7, 2020 in Oklahoma City.  He was born December 13, 1934, in Wichita, Kansas.  He was married to Carol Shreck on December 22, 1957, and they resided in Stillwater, Oklahoma while he was attending college at Oklahoma A&M.  He and Carol then returned to their farm in Deer Creek, Oklahoma, where they raised one son, Richard Johns, and two daughters, Kim Haddad and Susan Hairrell.  He and his family left the farm when Merlin became an Oklahoma Highway patrolman.  He retired after 21 years, enjoying the work of public service.

He is survived by his wife Carol; and their three children, Kim Haddad of Norman, Richard Johns and wife Vivian of Little River-Academy, TX, and Susan Hairrell and husband Robert of Norman.  He also leaves behind several grandchildren, Brandon Haddad and wife Lauren, Brooke Haddad, Quinn Johns and wife Holly, Jesse Johns, Krystyna Wesp and husband Chris, Heather Jacobs, and Sarah Jacobs, as well as six great grandchildren, Penny and Corinne Johns, Hallie and Leighton Haddad, Evelyn and Catherine Wesp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Lola Johns; a brother, Forrest Johns and wife Thelma; and infant brother, Donald Johns.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Merlin Johns to City Rescue Mission, 800 W. California Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or the charity of your choice.