Mervin Rawes

Mervin Rawes, 95, of Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a recent illness. Mervin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior during the funeral for his wife, Charleen.

A son of the late Jacob and Ruth (Harris) Rawes, Mervin was born November 18, 1919 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Mervin graduated from New Philadelphia High School where he was a member of the basketball team. Following graduation, he moved to the Cleveland area and worked for Ohio Forge & Machine for 23 years. During this time he enjoyed playing softball for the Ohio Forge & Machine team in which one game he pitched a no hitter. Mervin also served in the Ohio National Guard during his time in Cleveland.

On November 1, 1947, he married the love of his life, the former Charleen “Cherry” Jackson and together they raised a daughter, Marsha. The couple shared 42 years of marriage prior to Charleen’s passing on December 10, 1989.

After the closing of the Ohio Forge & Machine plant, Mervin and his family returned to New Philadelphia. Upon his return, he became the owner and operator of Rawes’ Dairy Queen located on East High Avenue until his retirement 19 years later.

Mervin was an avid fan of country music and had a record and compact disc collection that was second to none. Also, following Charleen’s passing, Mervin discovered a singing voice and enjoyed Karaoke in the area. He became known as “Magic Merv the Karaoke King” and won many contests over the years. He was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks and Eagles lodges.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Harold Williams of Canton; a granddaughter, Victoria (James) Burt of Radcliff, Kentucky; a grandson, Shane Williams of Canton; a great grandson, Michael Torrence II of Radcliff, Kentucky and nieces and a nephew.

Mervin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister and three brothers.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Mervin’s life will follow in the funeral home at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dana Gammill officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Mervin’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.