Walter Earl Merrell

Walter Earl Merrell, 77, of Uhrichsville, tragically passed away March 30, 2007, from injuries sustained in a house fire.Born March 12, 1930 in Alliance, he was the son of the late Theodore and Gladys Merrell. When talking with Walter, he was most proud of his relationship with his late grandmother, Bertha Urbach who lovingly raised him. After completing high school in Alliance, Walter began doing what he loved, laying carpet. His first job was working for Cunningham Furniture in Alliance. There, he worked side-by-side with his father, learning the trade that he mastered over the years. From there, he laid carpet for numerous families throughout the state and beyond. After retiring from carpet laying, he then went to work at Parkside Buehlers where he greatly enjoyed delivering floral arrangements and bagging groceries. He always rushed home to tell his family what a wonderful job it was.In this community, he will most notably be remembered as a superior umpire and referee for numerous sports. In 1999, he was honored with a 50-year umpiring plaque and was inducted into the Umpire Hall of Fame last fall. His community service was honorable, most recently serving as a member of T-4-C and a past board member of the American Red Cross. He also attended Uhrichsville Central Foursquare Church.If you would ask him today, the pride and joy of his life was spending time with his companion of numerous years, Arlana Bantum and her three grandchildren, Cassidy, Cody, and Chloe. Many wonderful memories were made with the kids. The neighborhood children always enjoyed seeing him on the porch and having conversations with him.Walter’s family includes children, Penny of California and Jeff Merrell of Mansfield, Lisa Marsh of Hilliard, Carl and Bill Marsh of Colorado, Crystal Moore of Dennison, and Roger Bantum of Lancaster; a sister, Delores Jones; a brother, Leroy Milton; nieces and nephew, Mildred and Cheryl Grimes, both of Alliance, and Dowdy Grimes; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Doris and Beverly Grimes and Laura Merrell; sons, Walter and Rocky Merrell; and his wife, Sharon Merrell.Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following visitation, a service celebrating Walter’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel with Pastor Florence Fellers McNutt officiating. At his request, cremation will follow the service.In recognition of Walter’s love for children and Little League Baseball, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to your local Little League organization.