Sir Knight Deacon Miles Merwin

 

April 29, 1943 – August 2, 2026

Deacon Miles Carlos Anthony Merwin—a devoted husband, pioneering aviator, and man of steadfast faith, and charter member of Assembly 2183—passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026.

Born on April 29, 1943, at Eglin Air Force Base to Helen Harvey Merwin and Clarence Edgar Merwin, Jr., Miles inherited an early appreciation for duty and adventure. While attending P.K. Yonge High School in Gainesville, Florida, he met the love of his life, Polly, sparking a remarkable 63-year marriage.

Miles proudly served in the Intelligence branch of the United States Army from 1964 to 1968. Following his military service, his passion for the skies led him to a historic career in aviation as one of the original pilots for FedEx, bringing Miles and his young family to the Memphis area.

Miles was ordained as a deacon in 2000. He served at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, touching countless lives through his ministry.

Above all, Miles was the cherished cornerstone of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Polly Merwin; his son, Rick Merwin (Barbie); his daughter, Elizabeth O’Neill; his four grandchildren, Brooke Clement (Bowers), Khristian East, Michael O’Neill (Christi), and Mary Sherrillo (Clayton); and his eight great-grandchildren, Tenley East, Mary Reagan Clement, Brinkley East, Fletcher East, Palmer Clement, Andrew O’Neill, Madelynn East, and Quinn O’Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Clarence Edgar Merwin III, Bruce Martin Campbell Merwin, and Helen Cristal Merwin; and his son-in-law, Mike O’Neill.

Visitation, Rosary, Funeral Mass and Inurnment took place on August 29 at Church of the incarnation in Collierville with Bishop Talley presiding.  Sir Knights from three different Assemblies in the Memphis area participated in the Honor Guard.