Merle R. McCaslin, loving father, loving husband and great friend to a great many, who contributed to the success of individuals, organizations and activity clubs in our community, died on Tuesday, January 28th.
He was a determined soul. He would always look for a solution and for the positives, having a can-do attitude. He was an example of one’s ability to make the best of adversity, without complaining. And, an example of ones ability to take on a new challenge to see it through to completion.
Merle respected and dearly loved his family which includes his late wife of 57 years Mary McCaslin, his seven children and his ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mary frequently said there is not a faster way to put a smile on his face and warm his proud heart then to hear “Hi Papa”. It lit him up regardless of the circumstances or situation.
One of Merle passions and keen abilities was to show up to help without being asked, if he was asked to help, he would have his coat on and be in the car before he knew where he was needed. Those who met Merle would reflect on his perseverance and his desire to survive in the face of pretty significant adversity. Quit was a four letter. And anyone who spent time with him considered it a privilege. Knowing Merle’s peers and him knowing his children’s peers was one of the greatest pleasures, as he accepted everyone into his life. Merle was a most patient, non-judgmental person.
One of the gifts he gave to his family was to introduce them to horses. “There is nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a family''. He was a horseman and wanted this for his kids. The lessons from horses: confidence, respect, care, work, and friendly competition influence his children to this day.
Littleton, Colorado has been Merle's home since 1957. His roots are in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in the early 1950s he served the country as a member of the Air Force where he became a HAM radio operator, and his livelihood was at Martin Marietta as an engineer until 1992. In 1990, Merle, along with several others, founded Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) an amateur radio and high-altitude balloon organization that sponsors science-minded students, and more. The organization launches balloons with technical payloads most reaching 90-100K feet in elevation, or the edge of space. He and his family have been members of the Ridge Riders horse club for over 51 years, beginning in 1969.
Merle was a man of character. He lived a very full life. A Celebration of Life service was held the morning of February 6th at Littleton United Methodist Church. A Committal Service with Air Force Military Honors was held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery the same day.
Memorials can be made in his name to EOSS at eoss.org/paypal or by mail.
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