Merle Leroy Meeder

Just 19 days after losing Evelyn, his bride of 69 years, Merle passed away of a broken heart.  Merle was a man of honor and duty, and the consistency he showed throughout his life is astonishing.  He was a proud and distinguished Naval Aviator.  After his military service, he continued to fly privately for business and pleasure until the heightened security of 9/11 told him it was time to retire his wings.  One of their first dates was a plane ride where he wooed the beautiful Evelyn with some stunts and tricks!

Born September 30, 1923 in New Brighten, PA to parents Arthur and Verna, Merle was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Miriam.  He is survived by his two sons, Arthur Thomas Meeder and David Bergan Meeder (Shelley), both of Bluffton, SC; three Grandchildren, JD Meeder (Katherine), Rebecca Daniele (Matt) and Allison Meeder; along with two Great Grandkids - Nora June Meeder and Jack Meeder.

After graduating High School in 1941, Merle joined the Navy as an Aviator.  After his service, he returned to PA to complete 2000 hours as a machinist.  Merle later attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated from Geneva College with a BS in Industrial Engineering.  Corporate ladder climbing with Rockwell and American Standard bounced Merle and Evelyn between NYC and Louisville, KY.  When called back to NYC again, Merle departed the corporate world.  He bought a small metal manufacturing company, and he and Evelyn raised their boys and grew their lives.  Merle and Evelyn called Louisville home until their move to Sun City in 1997.  Life was BIG for them both, and they loved all the friends they made and the busy lifestyles they curated.

Highly competitive and athletic, Merle competed in track and field in college.  Merle played softball, tennis, and bowled his entire life.  He was a 15 year state champion bowler, won Silver at the Senior Olympics in 2017 and 2022, and a Gold Medal in 2019.  At the time of his passing, his exercise bands were attached to the door handle as he had hoped to compete in the 100 year old division at the next Senior Olympics.

Merle’s resume held all the bullets points: president of multiple boards and associations, honors, awards, appointments, etc., all done with a thoroughness and attention to detail.  But that is not how we remember our Dad.  He was a witty, competitive, adventure-seeking soul that loved the spirit of engaging in life through friendships and experiences.  We had many via plane, car, and boat.  Thanks Dad for teaching us much about family values and fun. We miss you and love you. David and Art

A memorial service to celebrate the remarkable life of Merle and Evelyn will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11:30, at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton with Military honors presented at Noon.  They will be buried at Beaufort National Cemetery, at a later date, where they will forever share an Urn. (Merle gets his way!)

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests we all honor Merle and Evelyn’s wishes and go have a laugh with family and friends.

May they rest in eternal peace together, in the embrace of eternity.