Merrell Conrad Dolen, age 71, sucummed to cancer on Saturday, May 25, 2014 in the Wayne County Hospital.

Merrell was born on February 25, 1943 in the small rural community of Bell Farm, Kentucky to the late Lloyd and Emma Dolen. He was the oldest of three boys. He leaves behind his two brothers -- Stuart Dolen (Married to Sandra (Koontz) Dolen) and Randall Dolen (Married to Lois (Dalton) Dolen); both reside in Wayne County.

On January 18, 1964, he married his wife of 50 years, Brenda (Walker) Dolen. They lived in Mill Springs, Kentucky. They regularly attended the Oil Valley Church of Christ, a small country church.

On May 26, 1966, their one and only son, Merrell Curtis Dolen was born. He married Melinda Sartin Dolen on June 20, 1986. From this union, Merrell's two grandchildren were born -- Matthew Lee Dolen, age 23 and Lauren Alyssa Dolen, age 19. They were his pride and joy.

Loving the great outdoors, Merrell devoted his life to farming, planting corn, soy beans, and tobacco all over Wayne County in places like Span Hill, better known as Beach Hollow, Dr. Robert's Farm in Mill Springs, and the McCutchen Farm and in Mistic View. In his spare time, he loved to go fishing, watch Western on TV, and spending time with local farmers.

Even though Merrell is being laid to rest on this 29th day of May, he will not soon be forgotten by the family and friends he leaves behind.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 29th from 1 pm - 6 pm in the funeral home chapel. A funeral service will be held May 29 at 6:00 pm. at the Hicks- Vaughn Funeral Home with a family burial being held on May 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elk Springs Cemetery.