Merlyn Lester Altom, of Cherokee, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2009 in Llano, Texas at the age of 79 years. He was born April 9, 1930 in Coleman County, Texas to Andrew Altom and Hattie (Beeler) Altom. Merlyn was a Patrolman for Dallas Police Department and retired after 27 years of service. He served in the United States Marines Corps during the Korean Conflict. Merlyn married Eva Faye Collins on July23, 1971 in Dallas County. He had been a resident of Cherokee for 27 years and was a former resident of Dallas, Texas. Merlyn was a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Later Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife Eva Faye Altom of Cherokee; 1 daughter Elizabeth Anderson and her husband David of Cross Plains; 2 sons, James Altom and his wife Sherry of Carrollton; and Joseph Woodrome of Dallas; 1 brother Wayne Altom of Garland; and 9 grandchildren.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Paula K. Hanley; and a son Merlyn Altom, Jr.

Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 11:00 AM, at Kuykendall Cemetery in Cherokee with Bishop Wilford Carpenter officiating.

E-mail condolences to whhfuneral1@verizon.net. Or www.whhfuneralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Homes, Inc. in Llano, Texas 78639.