Merlin Buyer, 93

Merlin D. Buyer, 93 years, of Bryan, passed away Sunday evening, February 2, 2014 in his residence with family at his side.  Merlin was born December 19, 1920 in Winameg, Ohio the son of the late Vern and Mabel (Derby) Buyer.  He was a 1939 graduate of Delta High School.  Merlin was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran.  He married Marjorie J. Baker on June 27, 1947 in Fostoria, Ohio.  Merlin was a self-employed farmer for many years.  He drove truck for Central Transport Trucking for 20 years, retiring in 1993.  He was a member of the Bryan American Legion Post #284.  Merlin loved to travel and was especially proud of his travels in the United States and Canada.  He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was an avid newspaper reader, always keeping up with current events.  He enjoyed landscaping his yard and decorating with rocks he picked up when traveling.

Surviving is his wife, Marjorie of Bryan; two daughters, Linda (James) Tighe of Mantua, Ohio and Barbara (Rick) Gray of Defiance; son-in-law, Steve Royal of Liberty Center, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Gene (Kim) Royal of Liberty Center, Michael (Rose) Royal of San Antonio, Texas Kevin (Lavinia) Tighe of Seven Hills, Ohio, David (Sarah) Tighe of Parma, Ohio, Dustin Gray of Defiance, Aaron (Evie) Gray of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Scott (Joy) McGilvery of Jamestown, New York, Jack McGilvery of Allen Texas and Sally McGilvery, of Hawaii; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, John Buyer of Vero Beach, Florida and one sister, Bonnie (John) Mandly of Delta, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by two daughters, Judy Royal and Patty McGilvery Nickelsen; two brothers, Haldon and Bob Buyer; four sisters, Alene Pfund, Neva Sharp, Doral Moll and LaVerne Hammersmith.

A Gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan.  At Merlin’s request, there will not be any services.  Interment will remain private.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be directed to Community Health Professionals Hospice, 127 Blakeslee Avenue, Bryan, Ohio, 43506.