Merlin was a true jack-of-all-trades. He started out dreaming of drafting houses, but thanks to his vision, he ended up helping to build them instead. He spent years running heavy machinery and eventually became most famous for his truck driving. Not only did he drive for others, but he was an owner/operator for many years. His proudest brag? Logging over 1,000,000 miles—and meaning it. He saw every corner of the country from behind the wheel of his rig.
In 2023, his kids staged an intervention and forced him into retirement (you’re welcome, Dad). He moved to Seward, where he built his own little community—the “Babysitter’s Club”—and spent his golden years fishing, traveling, and talking to literally every human he met (whether he liked them or not). He finally got his bucket-list fishing trip in Minnesota, a vacation in Mexico, and plenty of time with family.
Merlin was famous for his wisecracks and off-hand comments that kept everyone laughing. His kids loved teasing him about his online dating profile, his epic fail of a THC drug test (he’d never touched drugs in his life), and those unforgettable upside-down pineapple swim trunks. He never met a stranger, and he never missed a chance to make someone smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Lela Dayley and Richard “Punk” Campbell.
He leaves behind his children CJ Campbell, Kristle (Shane) Kendall, and Rob (Cathy) Campbell; grandchildren Trinity, Nathaniel, Cordell, Catelyn, Jessica, and Grant; great-grandchildren Amara, Oakley, and Peyton; sisters Shirley Jo (Charles) Cannon and Sherry Orr; plus a whole crew of nieces, nephews, and bonus kids who adored him.
Merlin will be deeply missed—but we’re pretty sure he’s already telling jokes and making friends wherever he landed next.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 1-3:30pm at the Seward Senior Center, 1010 Manor Dr, Seward, NE. Memorial contributions may be directed towards the family for future designation.