Merlin Raymond Price Sr.

The soul and spirit of Merlin Raymond Price Sr., who passed away on Sunday November 08, 2015

Merlin Raymond Price Sr. was one of thirteen children born to Lee and Agnes Sauce Price on March 25, 1937. He grew up in a loving and beautiful family He enjoyed his childhood years surrounded by his many siblings, hunting, fishing and working before and after school delivering newspapers on his bicycle.

During his high school years, he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Miriam M. Michel. They were married on November 28, 1959 and started a family of five beautiful children. In 1961, Merlin chose what would become his lifelong ambition, a career in law enforcement. He joined the Morgan City Police Department as a rookie cop and shortly became Morgan City’s first K-9 Police Officer with K-9 officer “Bismarck.” Together they trained for four months at the New Orleans Police training facility. He and Bismarck worked until July of 1969, when he retired Bismarck to his family’s home and traveled to London England to attend the Scotland Yard’s Police K-9 Academy. In November of 1969, he returned home with K-9 “Danny.” He worked with Danny until 1978, when he started working on road patrol serving warrants. He later retired in 1981, at the age of 44, and worked in the private sector until 1987, when the position of City Marshal became vacant, and he qualified to run for the position. For the next 20 years, he continued to be elected to serve the good citizens of Morgan City.

His 40 plus years in law enforcement ended in January of 2008, when he retired as City Marshal grateful for the love and support of his family and friends. He had achieved his goal in life, to serve the people of Morgan City with honesty, professional experience and the desire to bring honor and respect to himself and to the positions he had served for over 40 years.

During his 20 plus years as Marshal he served in the positions of President, Vice-President, and Sergeant of Arms in the Louisiana City Marshal’s Association. After his retirement, he continued to be an honorary member of the association.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and he served as an usher at the 8:00 A.M. Mass for many years. He was also a Sergeant in the 156 Infantry Company B National Guard out of Louisiana and also a chair member of the local AARP, serving on the board for many years.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Miriam Michel Price and five children. Julie A. Price, Merlin R. Price Jr. along with his wife Shawn, Raymond P. Price along with his wife Eugina, Glynn P. Price along with his wife Wendy, and Patrick L. Price along with his wife Angie.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kay L. Vining and husband Scott, Chad A. Billiot and wife Cheryl, Arissa H. Price, Scott E. Price, Charlie E. Price and Ross Carroll, Savannah P. Hebert and husband Caleb Sr., Glynn P. Price Jr, Nicolas J. Price, Alyssa M. Price, Patrick L. Price Jr., Kristin Holmes, Katy Aucoin, Hope Aucoin, and Shade Suire.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Taylour G. Vining, Kaylee N. Vining, Landon S. Vining, Kylie J. Billiot, Kaden I. Billiot, Briahna N. Veregin, Brynlea R. Carroll, Caleb “Luke” Hebert Jr, and Abigale E. Hebert.

He is also survived by his brother and sisters: Frank D. Price and wife Jackie, Gerald Price, Curtiss Price and wife Teresa, Don Price and wife Anna, Agnes Wright and husband Jim, Elizabeth Allen and husband Earl, Charlene Price and husband Anthony, Sister in law Pam Soumeillan, Bebe M. Fontenot, Genevieve G. Price, Rose Price, Margie Price and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by: His grandchildren: Nicole M. Price, Christin A. Vaught and husband Kevin, Merlin R. Price III, His parents: Lee Otis and Agnes Price, Brothers and Sisters: Ernest Price and wife Martha, Lee Price Jr, Eugene Price, Wybra Price, Helen Daigle and husband Allen, Barbara Price, and Susan Price, and In-Laws: Lawrence and Grace B. Michel.

A special thank you to the following people who cared for Merlin R Price Sr. and provided such compassionate care during his illness: Dr. Robert Alexander & staff located at the Houma Surgical Center, Dr. Robert Gamble & staff located at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma, especially his chemo and infusion nurses: Kacie, Kelly, Trisha, Jenny, Jeane, Dr. Russell Henry & staff located at Internal Medicine Clinic in Houma and Dr. Richard Aben & staff at CIS in Houma.

Friends and extended family are invited to attend a celebration of a life lived in service to others. To be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at The Morgan City Municipal Auditorium from 9:00 AM until 11:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic beginning at 12:00 PM. Following Mass the Family of Mr. Merlin invite those in attendance back to the Auditorium for a after gathering where memories will be shared and refreshments will be served.

The Family request that Memorial Donation be made to The Merlin R. Price Sr. Memorial Account at Patterson State Bank account number #0222013901.