Merrill H. Spahlinger

Merrill H. Spahlinger age 99 of Lake Milton passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Hospice House of Poland. He was born on July 11, 1924 in Braceville, OH 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 have enjoyed the past 79 years of marriage together.  They have lived in Lake Milton since 1979, formerly of Braceville.  Merrill graduated from Braceville High School in 1942.  After high school, Merrill served his country in the US Air Force where he was a Navigator on a B-17 bomber and flew  35  bombing missions from England to over Germany. Returning home from WWII, 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, FL where they wintered.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Marilyn Liber, 1 sister: Florence Puegner, and 3 brothers: Fred, Ralph, Homer Spahlinger whom was killed in WWII, and a brother-in-law Dale McGee who was also killed in WWII. 

He is survived by: his wife: Frances M. Spahlinger of Lake Milton, 2 sons: Ronald & Barbara Spahlinger of Mabank, TX, Rick & Rita Spahlinger of Lake Milton, OH, son in-law Lloyd Liber of Newton Falls, 6 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest at 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 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.  Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com

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