Donald E. Merkle, 83, of Russell, PA., died Monday evening,
September 12, 2016 at the Rouse Warren County Home,
Youngsville, PA. He was born April 5, 1933 in Endeavor, PA.
Don was the son of Livingston and Azuba Bean Merkle. He has
resided in Russell, PA., most of his life and was a 1952 graduate
of Warren High School. Don had served with the U.S. Army
during the Korean War from January 27, 1953 until January 26,
1956 as a Specialist 3rd Class, he then enlisted with the U.S. Army
Reserves until February 20, 1961 where he earned the rank of
Specialist 4th Class. Don was employed as a layout man and
supervisor of the former Struthers Wells Corporation for many
years; he then went to work as a Truck Driver with I.L. Geer &
Sons for 12 years. After retirement, he worked part time as a
driver for the Shultz Auto Group. Don was a founding member of
the Eisenhower Music Boosters, a member of the Russell
Volunteer Fire Department, Pine Grove Lions Club, Kinzua Air
Modelers, and Circle 8 Square dancers. He enjoyed camping,
building and flying remote control airplanes, playing the steel
guitar and square dancing.
He is survived by his 4 children – Pam Post and husband, Jack of
Centerville, PA., Cassandra Winans and husband, Brad of Sugar
Grove, PA., Duane Merkle and wife, Lynn of Milner, GA., Alan
Merkle and wife, Rhonda of Starbrick, PA., 9 Grandchildren, 12
Great Grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded
in death by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Ronan Merkle whom he
married November 12, 1955 at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church,
Warren, PA., who died January 15, 2010, several infant brothers, 1
Grandson – Kenny Winans.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304
East Street, Warren, PA., on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 2
to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. A funeral service will be conducted there on
Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. by Don’s friend, Rev.
Clair Cable, retired minister, officiating. Full military honors will
follow the funeral service and be conducted by members of the
U.S. Army and Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Honor Guard.
Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Pine Grove
Lions Club or Russell Volunteer Fire Department. E-mail
condolences may be sent by visiting