Merlin R. "Bab" Bullard

Merlin Ray Bullard, (Bab as friends and family called him), was born to Floyd and Thelma Bullard in Fairland, Oklahoma, along with his twin sister Marjorie Faye, on March 2, 1939. He graduated from Cleora High School in 1957. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Lou Bullard; brothers, Bill and Louis Bullard; sisters, Laquita Whisenant, Sue Dalton and Jean Hall; and grandchildren, Carley Bullard, Alexander and Amber Feeney. Survivors include his children, Teresa Bullard, Gary Bullard, Opal and husband, Tom Feeney and Robert and wife, Laura Bullard; twin sister, Marjorie Faye Harlen and their sister, Mary Williams; grandchildren, John Feeney, Andrew (Courtney) Feeney, Ryan Rankin, Kyle (Nicole) Rankin, Anthony (Erin) Feeney, Brittany Feeney, Dakota (Katlyn) Bullard, Megan (Brice) Keezer, Mollie, Caitie, Kennedy, Sawyer, Rylee, Henry, Jameson, Kaleb and Spencer; great-grandchildren, Noah, Brooklynn, Piper, Hattie and Oliver Rankin, Adeline, Ainsley, Aiden, Benson, Carson, Dyllan and Layla Feeney, Hayven Bullard, Ari Keezer, Mavryk Keezer, Holden Keezer, Emersyn, Zaiden, Zarrick, Averie and Scarlett.

Merlin married Peggy Lou Brewster March 21, 1959. They moved to Wichita, Kansas soon after. He gained employment with Southwest Grease and Oil. The company changed owners a few times, Witco Chemicals and was finally purchased by BG Products. Peggy passed away in February 2009. Merlin retired from BG Products in March 2009 with 50 years of employment almost to the minute of the day he was hired. Although he retired, he still frequented his facility until his death.

Merlin loved all people and loved to share experiences and advice, although people never asked for it. He loved who he was and most loved him for it. We all just used to laugh.

During our growing years he always listened but didn’t hesitate to discipline either. We were taught to respect all people. We also were to defend our beliefs; he always told us your word is all you have. He also pushed us to stand up for what was right and to defend those that could not defend themselves. He was a very loved and good man that showed much integrity.

Dad loved his neighborhood; our friends called him the OG (Original Gangster). The neighborhood became unstable over the years, but Dad stayed strong over time and continued to minister the community. He loaned money to many, fed others and was a ride and entertainment to those that were around. He never questioned much but made people responsible for their actions. He will be missed and loved by many. His absence will be felt, but his lessons will live on. He would want you to know, be good to your neighbors, take care of them and to love each other.

The final thing we feel compelled to mention is his dog. Dad along with his best friend, John Nicholas, walked in the mornings. One day a beautiful Pitbull followed them home, Dad called him Buddy. They found the owners, but they never picked him up. He tried opening the gate, but Buddy wouldn’t leave. He has had Buddy for two years, like Dad, Buddy is loyal. Just the other day I was with dad, and he said, “I love that Dog”. Buddy was probably the last one to see Dad alive and he cried when Dad left. Animals love unconditionally as did Merlin.

Spend time with your People... -We loved Dad enough to let him go. We are sure he and Uncle Louis, Carley and Bill are all fishing in Heaven.

-Until we meet again, we know we have an awesome Guardian Angel!

Memorials in Merlin’s name may be made to:

Wichita Bible Church

633 S. Woodlawn

Wichita, KS  67211

Or

Beauties & Beasts

114 S. Pattie

Wichita, KS 67211