He was born on April 30, 1941, in Deadwood, South Dakota to William N. and Alice (Benton) Bilyeu. Most of Mervin’s childhood was spent on a farm in Britton, South Dakota. As a teenager, he played football for the Britton Braves, lettering both years he played. He also participated in Future Farmers of America. The friendships he made during those years remained important to him throughout his life. When he wasn’t on the football field, Mervin was often found hunting and fishing in the South Dakota countryside. As a young man, he worked at a local gas station and the Red Owl grocery store.

The money he earned from his high school jobs helped Mervin attend the North Dakota State School of Science, where he earned a Trade Technical degree in architecture in 1961. The school helped him obtain a position as an architectural draftsman and lumber salesman with Scholz Homes in Greeley, Colorado.

The year he moved to Greeley, Mervin met Laura Schroeder, whom he later married on May 25, 1963. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage and built a life shaped by hard work, determination, and a shared spirit of curiosity.

Mervin earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1969 while working for several building companies. He later earned his real estate license and put his skills to work remodeling, designing, and building homes. His eye for design and technical ability eventually led him to truss design, which became his primary profession and the work for which he was best known.

In 1977, Mervin and Laura found their dream property in Arvada, Colorado. Mervin built their home himself, using his architectural training, practical experience, and craftsmanship. There, they raised their two children, Michele and Mark, and spent nearly 50 years together.

Mervin was known for his joking personality and strong work ethic. He had a knack for finding humor in almost any situation and never shied away from a hard day’s work. His combination of humor, determination, and skill made him good company on a job site and at home. The friendships he made over the years, including those that began in his school days, remained a meaningful part of his life.

Mervin is survived by his daughter, Michele Hendren; son-in-law, Nicholas Hendren; son, Mark Bilyeu; daughterin- law, Carmen Senter; granddaughters, Trinity Hendren and Kira Hendren; his sister, Bonnie Voliva; brother-in-law, Larry Voliva; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura G. Bilyeu; his sister, Bette Lou; his brothers, Milton and William M.; and his parents, William N. and Alice M. Bilyeu.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Boettcher Mansion, Golden CO Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Joseph’s Indian School, SD