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LAKE MILTON -- Merrill H. Spahlinger, 99, of Lake Milton, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at Hospice House of Poland.
He was born July 11, 1924, in Braceville, the son of the late Austin Edward Spahlinger and Abbie Weed Spahlinger.
Merrill married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Frances M. Gintert, on June 30, 1944, and they enjoyed the past 79 years of marriage together. They lived in Lake Milton since 1979, and were formerly of Braceville.
Merrill graduated from Braceville High School in 1942. After high school, Merrill served his country in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a navigator on a B-17 bomber and flew 35 bombing missions from England over Germany. Returning home from World War II, he went to work for Republic Steel and worked as a supervisor for 38 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Braceville United Methodist Church, where he was a choir director. Merrill enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, traveling, tuning pianos and music. He was a member of the Lake Milton American Legion Post 737, the VFW and the Newton Falls Masonic Lodge 462. Merrill was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He played French horn in the high school band. He also sang baritone in the Country Gentleman Quartet and sang bass in the Carlson Memorial Methodist Church Choir in LaBelle, Florida, where they wintered.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Marilyn Liber; one sister, Florence Puegner; and three brothers, Fred, Ralph and Homer Spahlinger, who was killed in WWII, as was Merrill's brother-in-law, Dale McGee.
He is survived by his wife, Frances M. Spahlinger of Lake Milton; two sons, Ronald (Barbara) Spahlinger of Mabank, Texas, and Rick (Rita) Spahlinger of Lake Milton; son-in-law, Lloyd Liber of Newton Falls; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest in Braceville Cemetery. The family has requested that all donations please be made to the Lake Milton American Legion Post 737, 16465 Milton Ave., Lake Milton, OH 44429, in his memory. A celebration of life, with a memorial service, will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, visit www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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