Merlin C. Laws

Lieutenant Merlin Collins Laws, APD Retired, completed his earthly journey in the 74th season of his life and transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital inside St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by his family.

Merlin was born on January 7, 1951, to the late Erma Collins and the late Geneva Colquitt Laws in Altheimer, Arkansas.

Merlin accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in July 1993 at Mt. Bayou Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Leroy West, where he remained a member under the present leadership of Pastor Lafayette Woods, Sr.

He was a proud member of the Altheimer High School Class of 1970. He married his sweetheart, Janette Owens, on November 26, 1970, and they remained married for 48 years until her passing.

Merlin was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, often working three jobs to provide for his family. His passions were law enforcement and farming.

In his early work history, he worked as a mechanic at Clem’s Garage in Altheimer and Elms Farming Company in Altheimer. He farmed for many years on his own.

He began his career in law enforcement at the Department of Correction in 1979. In 1980, he became a part-time police officer and later transitioned to a full-time officer with the Altheimer Police Department. He rose through the ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant, which was his rank at retirement after 33 years of dedicated service in 2013. From 1990 to 2018, he also served as Constable for Plum Bayou Township.

In addition, Merlin worked part-time security for Capital City Patrol and Securitas. He was a longtime member of the Altheimer Volunteer Fire Department.

Merlin was loved by his family, friends, and community for his acts of kindness and compassion for the citizens of Altheimer. He was also a jokester who kept everyone laughing. He was simply a servant of God and a great man.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Janette, he was preceded in death by his brother, Cloid Edward Laws; his sister, Brenda Laws Baldwin; four nephews; and a niece.

He leaves to cherish his beautiful memories his daughters: Karen Laws (Lee) Williams of Pine Bluff, AR, and Katina Laws (Shun) Smith of Benton, AR; a goddaughter whom he helped raise, Clara Steward (Marcus) Holley of St. Louis, Missouri; and his grandsons, whom he raised, Ke’Andre Hudson Sr. of Pine Bluff, AR, and Kavion Reeves of Altheimer, AR.

He is also survived by his bonus daughters: Kanisha Larry-Lee of Little Rock, AR; Jeanetta (Mason) Foster of Altheimer, AR; Aisha (Jerome) Wellington of Frisco, TX; and Tena Farver of Bay St. Louis, MS. His godson: Jarvaris (Trina) Steward of Dallas, TX.

His nieces: Linda (Nehemiah) Gipson and Joycette (Rickey) Strong, both of Altheimer, AR, and Lakisha Culclager of North Little Rock, AR. His nephews: a special nephew who was like a son, Calvin (Sandra) Robinson of Pine Bluff, AR; Tommy (Tawana) Laws of Altheimer, AR; Tyrone Dulaney of Los Angeles, CA; and Melvin (Crystal) Baldwin Jr. of Carrollton, MI.

His great-grandchildren: Ka’Niyah Hudson, Sophia Hudson, and Ke’Andre Hudson Jr., all of Pine Bluff, AR.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

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