Merwin W. Horner

Merwin Wayne Horner died at the age of 57 at his home in McPherson, Kansas.

He was born June 7, 1968, in McPherson, Kansas, the loving son of Harold L., Jr. and Carolyn C. (Preston) Nelson.

Merwin grew up in Lindsborg, Marquette, Galva, and McPherson. He was an avid NASCAR fan, casino patron, fisherman, and hunter. Merwin met his soulmate, Valerie (Sohl) Lenz on a blind date hosted by his father “Bud” and stepmom Becky at a convenience store in Blue Rapids, Kansas in 1996. Valerie “Val” passed away on April 5, 2026, after 30 years with Merwin.

Merwin worked at Central Plastics, Inc. in McPherson until his death on May 4, 2026.

Survivors include Angela (Mike) Foran, Tammy DeWild, Joshua Lenz, Jennifer (Jade) Knackstedt, Jeremy (Karen) Gunter, James Gunter, Justin (Sarah) Gunter, Patsy Love, Allen Horner, stepmother Becky Alexander, uncle Larry Preston, sister-in-law Angela (Donnie) Meyer, brother-in-law James (Melissa) Sohl; and many grandchildren, cousins, nieces & nephews, and friends.

Merwin was preceded in death by grandparents Ted & Cora Lea Preston, father “Bud” Nelson, Jr., mother Carolyn G. (Preston) Horner, uncle Merwin Preston, infant brother Ted Nelson, father Harry Horner, soulmate Val Lenz, Jonathan Lenz, Eric Preston.

There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for final expenses to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

The family of Merwin Horner would like to thank all for condolences and kind expressions of sympathy.