Merlin Lee Tracy

Merlin Lee Tracy, 70, of Great Falls, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 of natural causes. Per his final wishes, Cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home. He will be entombed privately at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial and later receive military honors by the Navy and VFW Post 1087. 

Merlin was born on March 7, 1948 to parents Mark Arnold Tracy and Helen Alcorn in Longbeach, CA. Being raised in a military family, they relocated with every new assignment that his father Mark received. In 1966 Merlin graduated from Great Falls Central Catholic High School. He then went on to work for Union Oil of California, in Great Falls where he did automotive repair. In 1969, Merlin followed in the family tradition and enlisted with the United States Navy where he learned to be a Sonar Technician.

While stationed in the Philippine Islands, Merlin met who would become the love of his life, Bella Rose Tiotuico. On April 4, 1972, back home in Great Falls, the happy couple married. And during 46 years of marriage together, their family grew with the addition of their son Michael, and daughter, Elizabeth.

Merlin had a full 16-year career with the Navy before he retired. During that time, he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. At retirement, Merlin was a Chief Petty Officer. He had served aboard the USS Prairie AD 15, USS Samuel Gompers AD 37, USS Cape Cod AD 41, and the USS Fanning FF 1076. He completed two tours of Instructor Duty and served with the U.S. Sixth-Fleet Pacific. Merlin held Secret Service clearance and had extensive travel throughout Asia.

After leaving the service, Merlin took on a new career path with the Great Falls Police Department in 1986. He retired from that work field in 1990. During this time, Merlin went back to college to earn a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, which he completed in 1996 at the University of Great Falls.

Throughout Merlin’s life, his biggest concern was for the well being of his family, that they were secure and well cared for. He was a devoted husband to his wife Bella and loving devoted father to his son and daughter. Merlin enjoyed painting, playing the piano, fishing and hunting. But he was a very selfless gentleman who never cared about material possessions. His greatest accomplishment in life was his family, whom he loved dearly.

Merlin is survived in passing by his beloved wife of 46 years, Bella Tracy; son, Michael (Tawnie) Tracy of Billings; daughter, Liz Tracy of Great Falls; brother, Brett Tracy; sister, Marlene Tracy; nephews, Curtis and Robert Tracy; and grandchildren, Jack Tracy, and Maria Tracy.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Mark and Helen Tracy; and brother, Jeff Tracy.

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