Merlin “Merle” Whitney, 51, Folsom, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2015.Merle was born on October 26, 1963 in Deadwood, SD to Wayne and Louetta (Huehl) Whitney. After graduating from high school, Merle joined the United States Air Force and served from 1981 to 1985. After serving in the Air Force, he moved back to the Rapid City area where he has lived since 1985.In February of 1988 he married Lli Willett. From this union his daughter, Heather Joy was born.On July 4, 2010, Merle married Melissa Anderson and moved to Folsom, SD. This is where they lived from then on.Merle enjoyed riding his motorcycle and playing darts and pool. He loved the outdoors and playing with his children, his nieces and nephews and acting like a kid himself. His love of life, quick wit and joking personality never failed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Merle is survived by his loving wife, Melissa of Folsom, SD; his daughter Heather Whitney of Rapid City, SD; his step-son James Sistak of Folsom, SD; his mother, Louetta Allen of Rapid City, SD; his father Wayne (Estelle) Whitney of Globe, AZ; his brother Skip (Doreen) Whitney of Rapid City, SD; his sisters Tamara (Brien) Rister of Rapid City, SD and Cynthia (Tal) Devens of Sauk Center, MN; and his step-sisters Becky Wickenhagen, Kelly (Mark) Langdeau, and Jodi (Richard) Elmore, all of Spearfish, SD. Merle was preceded in death by his step-father, Dennis “Wally” Allen.Merle will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.All of Merle’s family and friends are welcome to gather in celebration of his life at the American Legion in Rapid City from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.