1927 - 2015
Merlin Thomas Sayre (or to some Jack), a native of Enid, Oklahoma and member of the Fallon community since 1966, passed away the afternoon of April 24, 2015 following a short battle to overcome injuries sustained in a recent fall. Merlin was born in 1927 to Orbia V. and Wilhilmina Sayre (Buchanan). Merlin built a career in electronics following enlistment in the Navy during WWII and combat service in the China Sea during the Korean War, in the early 1950s. Following his military service, his career took him to numerous nationwide assignments affiliated with powerhouse organizations such as RCA, Westinghouse and the Dept. of Defense. He specialized in radar, ground missile radar systems, data link guidance systems and aero research maintenance for the space flight simulator program in support of NASA. Merlin worked with astronauts Gene Cernan and Buz Aldrin, as well as Colonial Chuck Yeager in the ground breaking field of space flight. His last professional assignment was supervising specialized electronic warfare systems for the Dept. of Navy at the Fallon Naval Air Station prior to retirement. Merlin was an avid classic car enthusiast. He and his wife Lou were founding members of the Fallon Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Sierra Nevada Classic Thunderbird Club of Reno. He will be missed by all those that share his passion for “car talk” and educating the casual viewer on the history of this nations automobile industry. Merlin is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Bessie Lou Sayre (Shipler); Daughter, Anita Byrum and husband Rick; Son, Randall and wife Joell; Sister in Law, Jeane Nance; Two grandchildren; Three great grandchildren; Two nephews; and one niece. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 11am at the Gardens Chapel with a reception to follow. Burial to be at 2:30pm at Northern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of The Gardens Funeral Home, 2949 Austin Hwy Fallon, NV. 775-423-8928
