David F. Merkle

David F. Merkle, 81, of rural Ohio City, died at 5:25 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born February 21, 1930, in Mercer County, the son of the late Lewis W. and Bertha (Parker) Merkle. On June 3, 1951, he married Barbara J. (Walls) Merkle, who survives at the residence.

Mr. Merkle had been machine manager for Farm Bureau Corporation in Celina and Van Wert. He started farming in 1953 and taught machine tools trade at Vantage Career Center for 15 years. He was a member of Grace Bible Church of Van Wert, where had taught Sunday school and served as a youth counselor. He was a 1948 graduate of Rockford High School and a member of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau.

In addition to his wife, survivors include four sons, Eric R. (Brenda) Merkle and Jay V. (Patricia) Merkle, both of Williamston, Mich., Van D. (Tracey) Merkle of Dayton and Kent M. (Susan) Merkle of Ohio City; a daughter, Linda J. (David) Sowers of Grove City; a sister, Margaret (Lloyd) Baker of St. Marys; one sister-in-law, Jennie Merkle of Montezuma; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A brother, Lewis Merkle Jr.; and three sisters, Martha Pudsey, Marie Lesser and Olga Nave, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, November 17, at Grace Bible Church, on Airport Avenue off Shannon Street, with Pastor Steve Howell officiating.

Calling hours are from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891, or Grace Bible Church in Van Wert.

Arrangements are being handled by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at cowanfh@yahoo.com.