Merril “Jack” Lynn Brockway died on August 6th, 2023 at St. James Hospital in Butte, Montana at the age of 82.
Merril was born on October 11th, 1940 in Dore, North Dakota as the sixth and youngest child to Velma and Arden Brockway. He grew up in Sidney, Montana and graduated in 1958. He then enlisted in the United States Army and served six years before being honorably discharged.
Merril married his longtime friend, Kathleen, on December 26th, 1964. Together they had two children, Deborah and Calvin, in 1965 and 1969 respectively. As a family, they went on many journeys and lived in multiple places including Great Falls, Montana and Dayton, Ohio before finally settling in Butte, Montana. Merril and Kathleen divorced in 2004 after almost 40 years of marriage but remained great friends.
Merril started his career with National Cash Register, eventually branching out on his own with Big Sky Business Equipment and later changing to On-Site, setting out for his life as a self-employed man. He traveled all over the state setting up P.O.S. systems in numerous restaurants and stores. His quick wit, selfless work, and loveable personality made him a well-liked and respected man in any environment.
During his life, he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, softball player for almost every bar in Butte, and enjoyed playing basketball at the Y. He was a current member of the Old Fashioned Baptist church and former member of the East Side Athletic Club, McQueen Athletic Club, and numerous others.
Merril is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Arden Brockway, and brothers, Merlin, Ronald, Donald, and Darvin. He is survived by his son, Calvin Brockway; daughter Deborah (Russell) Napier; grandchildren Dallas and Bryce Napier; and sister, Virginia “Ginny” Foltz. Additionally, he is survived by his nephew Adam Brockway and Kathleen (Larry) Garman.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 15th, at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 3220 St. Ann Street., Butte, MT 59701, followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 5001 Crackerville Rd in Silver Bow County. Attendees are then invited to join the family for reception from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St., Butte, MT 59701.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Merril.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Service has be privileged to care for Merril and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Lighthouse Baptist Church
3220 St. Ann Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Service
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Sunset Memorial Gardens
5001 Crackerville Rd.
Silver Bow County, MT
Reception
3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday August 15, 2023
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Lighthouse Baptist Church
3220 St. Ann Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Service
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Sunset Memorial Gardens
5001 Crackerville Rd.
Silver Bow County, MT
Reception
3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday August 15, 2023
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Dave Lauderman says
Merril has been my neighbor for 22 years. He was a great neighbor, and all three of my dogs really liked him. He would stop by and “talk” to them over the fence, and when I let them out of the fenced yard they always ran to him. We had nice conversations and it was interesting to me that he lived in my hometown Dayton, where he learned his trade.
We will miss him, and I am saddened to hear about him passing. He was good man.
Bill Wheeler says
I was saddened to read of Merril’s passing. I got to know him many years ago during my days at the Gold Rush. He helped us with our POS system and much more. He was a very good friend to us and always had a smile. Sending condolences to the Brockway and Napier families.😢
-Bill Wheeler, Helena
clay cummins says
Extremely saddened by unexpected by Jack’s death. We are “first cousins”; he’s 2 years younger; and his brothers and sisters grew up with our family in Fairview and Sidney area. So many memories of all the great things in our young lives; after reconnecting in “older” years (when I returned to Montana after absence of 40 years), enjoyed visiting and recalling the enjoyments of our youth. Memories are forever! RIP Jack…loved by all!CL
Betty Carpenter says
Merrill will be so missed by the Western Meat Block . He sold us our first computer 30 years ago and took the time and patience to train us . He recently set up our new cashier scanners and worked endlessly to make sure they were working properly . He was always so kind and service to his customers was his first priority. Rest in peace