Service held for Merlin Lyda

Funeral services for Merlin Lyda, an Ada, OK resident, were held Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Atoka Funeral Home Chapel in Atoka with Larry Hawkins officiating. Burial was in High Hill Cemetery with Atoka Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Lyda was born July 9, 1952 to John Dee and Mary Jean (Fulsom) Lyda in Talihina, OK and passed away June 19, 2020 at the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 10 days. He was a county worker and had worked for Coal County District #2. Merlin was affiliated with Blue Baptist Church of Connerville, OK.

Survivors include his daughters, Suzanne Lyda of Konawa, OK, Letha Lyda and fiance Anthony Whitfield of Kansas City, MO, Jonna Hopper and husband Jim of Hominy, OK; grandchildren, Mary McEntire of Kansas City, MO, Lillyan Hopper, Lela Hopper, and Luke Hopper, all of Hominy, OK; sister, Dean Vitosh of Garland, TX; brother, Larry Hawkins and wife Joanna of Stonewall, OK; also several very special nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawfton Lyda, Recy Don Lyda, Irving Lyda and Kilby Lyda.

Honrary pallbearers were Corey Vitosh, Houston Dean Bartell, Nino Jalen Vitosh, David Dean Vitosh and Luke Timmis Hopper.