Merrill Collins Haggard

Merrill Collins Haggard was surrounded by his family as he passed away on May 1, 2022. He was 74 years old.

He was born June 23, 1947, in Medford, OR to Claude and Yvonne Haggard. He grew up in Medford and attended Southern Oregon State College in Ashland, OR. 

Merrill always loved music. During his college years, he traveled overseas and performed as part of the USO. He sang for many years in the church choir and loved performing Handel's Messiah. 

He had many business ventures over the years, from insurance to a bakery and drive-thru coffee stand. Merrill always loved working with people and making them smile. 

In 1999 Merrill moved to Eugene. Many times he would see someone having a bad day and give them $20 or a full Dutch Bros punch card, hoping to make their day just a little brighter. He loved the U of O Ducks and was rarely seen without his Duck hat or jacket!

Diagnosed with MS at a young age, his disease progressed to the point that he could no longer live on his own, and he moved back to Medford in 2016.

Merrill always had a positive attitude, loved God deeply, and was at peace with his life. His family meant everything to him, and he never missed the opportunity to tell them how much he loved them.

He is survived by his daughter Brandis Havener and her husband Greg, his son Shawn Haggard and his fiancée Christina, and grandchildren Marijke Havener, Chloe Havener, Rebekah Haggard, and Jeremiah Haggard. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Gloria Bartlett. 

A graveside memorial for family and close friends will be held at 3 pm on Friday, May 13th, 2022 at Siskiyou Memorial Park.