Merlin A Reese *

NEW SPRINGFIELD – Merlin M. , 84, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at his daughter’s residence.

Merlin was born Sept. 7, 1923 and was the son of William Hensel and Effie Caroline Evers Reese.

Mr. Reese was a lifelong area resident. He was a farmer and retired from farming in . Merlin worked in the mill, the Youngstown Steel Tank for 17 years as a fitter. Mr. Reese owned and operated Reese Welding from to .

Merlin was a member of the New Springfield Church of God, where he served as a past trustee and an usher.

Mr. Reese was preceded in death on July 21, by his wife, the former Mary Margaret Bieber. They were married Dec. 22, .

Merlin is survived by two daughters, Helen Reese of Boardman and Darla Dunsing of New Springfield; a son, Reese and his wife, Victoria of Salem; a grandchild, Nikki and her husband, Damian ; and three great-grandchildren, Dylan, Dominic and Madelyn.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, William Carl Reese and Emory Wilson Reese; and a sister, Effie Manola Reese.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at the New Springfield Church of God with Rev. Alan Leach and Rev. Wilbur Hosler officiating.

Burial will be at Zion Cemetery.

Friends call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Lima and one hour prior to the services Friday, March 21, 2008 at the church.