Merle Reese

Leetonia - June 10, 2005 - William Merle Reese, 88, formerly of Lisbon Street, Leetonia, died at 8:20 p.m. Friday at the Pleasant View Nursing Home, Lisbon.

Merle was born October 16, 1916 in Millville, Ohio, a son of Morris T. and Ruby Davis Reese and had lived in this area most of his life. He had been employed in the inventory control department at Hunt Valve in Salem for 41 years, retiring in 1984.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he had served on church council, taught Sunday School, and served as church organist. He was also a member of the Leetonia Sportsmen's Club and was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians. He was a member and Past Master of Leetonia Lodge #401 F. & A.M. and had served on the Leetonia Volunteer Fire Department for several years.

His wife, the former Evelyn H. Call, whom he married June 22, 1940 died July 4, 1999. He is survived by a son, Kirby Reese of Bloomington, IL; a sister, Dorothy Ann Buckner of Cleveland; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Haschen and two brothers, Donald Reese and Morris Reese, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia with Pastor Kari Lankford, of the church officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. Monday where Leetonia Lodge will conduct Masonic Services at 6:45 p.m. on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant View Nursing Home Activity Fund.