Merlin Wendell Taber

Merlin Wendell Taber, age 82, passed away Monday, August 31, 2026 surrounded by loving family at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, MO.

Born September 12, 1943, in Sikeston, MO, to the late Lacy Burl Taber and Eva Marie Lancaster Taber of Matthews, MO, he resided in southeast Missouri most of his life. He was a skilled machinist repairing factory sewing machines that required him to travel to many countries in his early years. In 2015 he retired from RM COCO Decor LTD in Cape Girardeau, MO.

He enjoyed history, Cardinals games, dancing, and travel in which he loved to tell stories about.

On April 1, 1963, he married Johnnie Lorraine Taylor who preceded him in death May 17, 2010.

On September 26, 2015, he then married Marilyn L. Dreyer who preceded him in death December 18, 2020.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindi (Tim) Hileman of Sikeston; his son, Chadd Taber of Sikeston; his daughter in law, Crystal Harris of Matthews, MO; his grandchildren, Josh Hileman of East Prairie; Jordan Hileman and Lorelei Taber both of Sikeston, Katelin McCutchen of Blodgett and Sydnea Taber of Vanduser; eight great grandchildren; his sisters, Deanna Piel of Springfield, MO and Marlene Hartlein of Matthews, MO; also a number of nieces, nephews and cousins survive.

In addition to his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters Ruth Burch, Shirley Coppage, Judy Northcutt, and Flossie Bell Taber and four brothers Glen, Lindell, Melvin, and Dwight Gene Taber.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by services at 2:00 pm Friday, September, September 4, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston. Jared Gaines from Shady Acres Church of Christ in Sikeston, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Matthews Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefneralhome.com. 

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at Make A Donation | Alzheimer's Association https://Alzheimer's Association /get-involved-now/donate