Merle L. Metzger

Merle L. Metzger age 77 of Kenton, OH and formerly from Forest, OH passed away at 11:55 a.m. on Sat. March 26, at his home while surrounded by his family . Merle was born July 7, 1933 to Allie L. and Edna P. (Getz) Metzger in Hardin County, OH and graduated from Forest High School in 1951. Survivors include his wife Audrey D. Smith (Married July 12, 1952), two sons Ron Metzger of Forest, OH, Joe (Machelle) of Lynn, IN, two daughter’s Connie Stewart (Greg Byers), Kenton, OH, Cindy (Casey) Messenger, Mt. Blanchard, OH six grandchildren, Dustin (Danielle) Stewart, Candace & Chance Metzger, Brandy & Ashley Bowman and Erica Metzger, great grandchildren, Aidan & Ryleigh Stewart, three sister-in-law, Carolyn M. Smith, Mary Jo Stewart, Pat (Hubbell) Ehora. Merle was preceded in death by his parents as well as Sam Metzger, cousin and best friend Merle was passionate about farming. He started farming as a young boy with his father and continued farming with his sons. After retiring in 1999, he began working at the Kenton Kroger store. Merle loved working at Kroger’s where he was a cashier and made many friends. He valued his co-workers, he considered them family. Merle;s customers referred to him as “Mr. Kroger”. He had also worked at UAP in Forest. He was a member of the Forest United Methodist church, Lions Club, Kenton Jaycees, as well as a former Forest Volunteer Firefighter. Merle enjoyed traveling with his wife to Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Bahamas as well as to Amish Country, fishing trips to Canada, gardening, and taking care of his pond and feeding the fish, as well as International Farmall tractors. Being an only child, Merle loved his family. His wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his life, also his sister-in-laws Carolyn, Mary Jo, and Pat. They would always bring a smile to his face. Merle was a tender-hearted man and will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family and friends……. But never forgotten. A funeral service will be held on Wed. March 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the CLARK SHIELDS Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Livingston officiating. Burial will be in Hueston Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 29, 2011 from 2-8 p.m. and an hour before the service on Wed. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hardin County Hospice in care of CLARK SHIELDS Funeral Home 301 S. Patterson St. Forest, OH 45843. Visit www.shieldsfh.com to view the Life Tribute DVD, extend a condolence or share a memory. http://videos.lifetributes.com/207689

Merle L. Metzger

March 26, 2011