Merle Lee Eichler, age 68, of Manitou Beach, died early Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, following years of ailing health. Born July 7, 1956, in Morenci, Merle was the son of Donald Richard and Ruth Irene (Double) Eichler. Merle grew up on the family farm on Gallup Road north of Morenci, and attended Morenci Area Schools. He married the former Karen Kay Forbes on June 7, 1975, in Waldron. She survives.
In addition to working on the farm feeding pigs and milking cows, he worked as a foreman at the former Peter Stamping Company in Fayette, Ohio for 17 years until its closure. Merle took great pride in taking care of his farm and his yardwork. In later years he loved to watch Western movies and anything involving horses on television. He was outgoing and happy-go-lucky, always ready with a joke to make someone laugh, and was eager to help anyone in need. In most recent years, his greatest joy in life were his beloved grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Karen; three children, Shawn Eichler (Tiah Choate) of Adrian, Lynn Double of Manitou Beach, Cindi Dillard of MI; grandchildren, Kyle, Cody, Ryan, Riley, Stephan, Isaiah, Cayden, Jesse, Tyler, Dakota, Christopher, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Marcus, and Devin; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lacy Ann Eichler; and two sisters, Edith Irene Ekins and Eunice Heckman.
In accordance with Merle’s final wishes, cremation will take place. Private burial will take place in the Canandaigua Cemetery at a later date.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.