Merlin David Freed

If you were greeted with a warm, “How’re you doing, kiddo?” there was a good chance Merlin David Freed was nearby.

Merlin was born June 20, 1936, at his family home near Enid, Oklahoma, to B.L. and Ada Myrtle Freed. His life began on the farm, and the farm never really left him. From early mornings and honest work, he developed the steady work ethic and quiet resilience that would define him for nearly 90 years. He attended country schools, graduated from Okeene High School in 1954, and went on to earn degrees from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, later adding an administrative certificate from the University of Oklahoma and further graduate studies at Oklahoma State University. Education wasn’t just his profession — it was his calling.

Merlin devoted his career to teaching and school administration in various Oklahoma communities including Keyes, Cleo Springs, and Fairview. He later retired through the technology school system, having spent decades investing in young people and adult learners alike. He believed in showing up prepared, doing things right, and helping others succeed. And he was always on time. In fact, he lived by the Freed family rule: “If you’re not ten minutes early, you’re late.” It’s a trait (or curse, depending who you ask) that lives on in the next generations.

Though he was soft-spoken and kind, Merlin had an ornery streak that kept life interesting. He once arranged for a hotel to tell newlyweds (his brother, Bob and bride, Barbara) that no room was available — even showing them a broom closet as an option — before finally revealing the joke. He and his brothers shared colorful family stories, countless memories from the farm, and continued to check in on each other throughout their lives.

A true Renaissance man, Merlin was rarely idle. He loved OU football, golfing, hunting, fishing, roller skating (yes — he could skate in every direction, having learned in a barn-turned-rink), and especially creating with his hands. With natural artistic abilities, he loved capturing country landscapes and elements of nature in his paintings. He also was skilled at woodworking, carving, leather stamping, and many other creative pursuits. As a master builder, if something was built beautifully, chances are Merlin had either crafted it or quietly improved it.

He also offered practical life advice — including the firm belief that “eating the heel of the bread would make you beautiful like me.” Results may vary, but his grandchildren were wise enough not to argue.

Merlin married Mary Jane Hillabolt in 1958, and together they had three children. In 1976, he married Johnnie Mae, who preceded him in death in 2005. In 2006, he married Nancy Sue in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nancy was the love of his later years, and together they shared deep companionship, laughter, faith, and many conversations — often with their beautiful and equally ornery Labradoodle, Princess, nearby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ronald, Jim, and Bob, and Johnnie Mae Freed.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Sue Freed; his children Michael Freed, Cynthia Trick (Brandon, Kayla), and Michelle Freed (Julia and Samuel); bonus children from blended families; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Merlin will be remembered as a man of integrity, wisdom, and gentle strength. He loved his family more than life itself, showed up when it mattered, built what needed building, and left things better than he found them. Not only has he graduated to a higher plane, we can rest assured that he was at least ten minutes early.