Merle Edward Reid, 61, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family.

Merle was born in Eugene, on April 15, 1964, to Olin and Susanne Reid, joining two brothers and a sister as the baby of the family. He grew up in Eugene, where he graduated from high school and began his career with Safeway. His work eventually took him to North Bend and Coos Bay before he settled in Burns, where he would raise his own family. He worked for many years as the Safeway manager in Burns before opening his own convenience store, one of the many successful businesses he would run with his wife, Wendy.

Merle married Wendy Haddock on Sept. 7, 1991. Together, they raised three children: Anna, Ty, and Cassidy. Above all else, he was a devoted husband and father. He supported his wife and children in all their endeavors, whether in sports, school, or work. He often said that, after everything, the thing he was most proud of was his kids. He always made quality family time a priority, whether it was spent on the golf course, hunting on the property, or simply chatting at the dinner table. His joy in being a parent shined even brighter when he became a grandpa to Brody and Brooks. The pride he took in being their “Papa” was something he loved to share.

Merle’s greatest passion was hunting. Thankfully, his oldest daughter and son shared that passion, spending many days in the woods together. The joy he found sitting around a campfire with friends, enjoying a Miller High Life, was hard to beat. Although he promised Wendy he was just “providing food for the family,” he wasn’t fooling anyone when his hunts were extended depending on his camp visitors’ schedules.

Merle was an amazing husband, father, and friend. Never knowing a stranger, he loved to talk to anyone and everyone—no matter how late he already was. He made everyone feel welcome and had a special way of bringing people together. He loved his community and was always working to make Harney County a better place.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Wendy Reid of Burns; his children, Anna Gahley of Burns, Ty Reid of Burns, and Cassidy Reid of Boise; his grandchildren, Brody Gahley and Brooks Reid; his brothers, Mark Reid and Michael Reid; his sister, Mary Sheppler; his son-in-law, Matson Gahley; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Susanne Reid.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Burns High School gym. A gathering will follow at The Pine Room.

Contributions in Merle Reid’s memory, can be made to Burns High School Baseball and/or Burns High School Softball programs.