Merlin Jacob Ohler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, left this world surrounded by his loved ones on November 1, 2022, at the age of 76. His battle with Alzheimer’s in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Never one to complain, Merlin came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

Merlin is the beloved husband of 16 years to Mary Hezeau Ohler; loving father of Merlin Jacob Ohler, Jr. (Jasmine), Paul Winokur (Emily), Mark Winokur (Julie), Melissa Stearns (Kevin), Linda Guidry, and Sharon Watts; proud grandfather of Jacob Ohler, Benjamin Ohler, Lilly Ohler, Olivia Hail, Arlene Bolton, Clay Bolton, Aiden Bolton, Evan Bolton, Allen Winokur, Stacey Winokur, Jennifer Winokur Hail, Daniel Hail, Alainah Hail, and Scott Winokur (Amy); He is also survived by four siblings, Delores Guidry (Richie), Jacqueline Snyder, William Ohler, and Laurie Catalano (Jerry); and a host of extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Ray Ohler and Mary Owens Ohler; six siblings, Vera Dunn, Evelyn McDaniel, Lawrence Ohler, Jr., Raymond Ohler, Fred Ohler, and John Ohler; and his granddaughter, Allison Winokur.

Merlin was born to his loving parents, Lawrence and Mary Owens Ohler, on April 13, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from Warren Easton High School, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably in the Vietnam conflict. He resided in Violet, LA for many years until meeting his wife, Mary Ohler, and moving to Lacombe, LA, where he spent much of his time keeping his property as pristine as a national park.

Merlin enjoyed watching LSU on Saturdays and the Saints on Sundays, even though his incessant pacing during the games caused him to be locked out of the house on several occasions. He also enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Mary, particularly on the West Coast and Montana. Merlin was also known as someone who would drop everything to give his friends, family, and strangers a hand. But the true joy of his life was being a grandfather and great-grandfather. “Paw-Paw,” as he was affectionately known, loved his grandchildren dearly. Merlin will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell, LA. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Merlin will be laid to rest in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice House are preferred. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com.