Sherman Merrill Allen, age 90, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Merrill was born April 3, 1935, in rural Emerson, Iowa, the son of Sherman and Flora (Liddell) Allen. He was raised near Emerson and graduated from Emerson High School in 1952 and Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois in 1956. Merrill was united in marriage to Wilma Fletcher on February 16, 1957, in Gary, Indiana. They lived in the Chicago area where he worked in the insurance industry until moving to the Allen family farm in 1970, where Merrill farmed. He owned a business in Shenandoah, Iowa, and was also a Quality Control Specialist for Allied Electronics in Council Bluffs retiring in 2001. Merrill was a longtime member of the Red Oak Presbyterian Church and was a volunteer reader for many years at the Red Oak Community Schools. His hobbies included reading and gardening. Most recently, Merrill was a resident of Midland Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife: Wilma Allen on April 16, 2003; brother: Joe Allen and his wife Jean; sister: Lori Johnson and her husband David; and grandson: Seth Allen. Survivors include his sons: Karl Allen and wife Teresa of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Kent Allen and wife Laura of Shelby, Iowa; grandchildren: Claire Allen of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Paul Allen and wife Carmen of Norwalk, Iowa; and Brittney DePiano and husband Riley of Alexandria, Virginia; great grandchildren: Aubrey and Melissa Allen of Norwalk, Iowa; and other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of life funeral will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will be in the Walnut Cemetery in rural Montgomery County, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Presbyterian Church.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.