Kevin Merlihan, 72, passed away on November 27th 2025 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born in Detroit, Michigan he was predeceased by his parents Eugene Merlihan and Aline (Ducharme) Merlihan, his siblings Frank, Brian, Mary and Coleen. He is survived by his siblings John, Gary, Pat, Gail, Carol, Mark and Lorraine, previous wife Barbara (Smith) Merlihan, daughter Lindsay, son John and daughter Audrey. He also leaves behind 3 grandchildren, Alison Merlihan, Emily Merlihan and John Merlihan, son-in-law Tom Hayes, daughter-in-law Paige (Gwathney) Merlihan and son-in-law Darian Brown, along with many nieces and nephews.

Kevin retired to Myrtle Beach in 2022 after having lived most of his life in Michigan. He graduated from Berkley High School and Ferris State University majoring in Environmental Health Practices. He spent his career in the manufacturing industry as a quality control inspector or in transportation services as a truck driver. He also worked as a professional painter and decorator and enjoyed carpentry work.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Kevin travelled to Ireland in 2014 and 2021 to visit his daughter Lindsay and son-in-law Tom. There, he enjoyed playing golf at Lahinch Golf Course and photographing the landscape from the northern tip of the coast in Co. Antrim at the Giant’s Causeway to the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast in Co. Clare. He travelled further to France, venturing to the “end of the world” to see his favourite lighthouse La Jument off the coast of the island of Ushant. Lighthouses were a meaningful symbol to Kevin, casting light in times of darkness, and he photographed them along the coast of Michigan too. He paid homage to Merlin’s Grave (Tombe de Merlin) in Paimpont, France whom he was nicknamed after for his magical and mischievous nature.

Kevin had a love of music, keeping Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Van Morrison and a collection of classic rock at the top of his playlist. He was innovative and great with DIY projects and home renovations. Everything he made or crafted, he did to absolute precision. He was a hard worker and “never missed a day of school, except for senior skip day.”

His family wishes him a tender transition to the beyond, where he can rest, play and feel embraced by heavenly love.

As per Kevin’s request, he was cremated and his ashes will be spread in Ireland tbd in spring 2026. 

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