Merle Vincent Lashey Jr. Obituary

Courtesy of Boyd Funeral Home (https://www.boydfuneralmarion.com/obituary/Merle-LasheyJr)

Merle Vincent Lashey Jr.

Merle Vincent Lashey, Jr., age 101 years young, passed away on May 13, 2024 at his residence in Marion, OH.

Merle was born in Marion, Ohio on May 01,1924, to the late Merle V. and Dorothy (Conkle) Lashey. He married Evelyn Ruth on December 26, 1946. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2010. They shared 65 years of marriage.

Merle graduated in 1942 from Claridon High School. He was a star basketball player, leading the Marion County League in scoring his junior and senior years. Shortly after graduation he was inducted into the US Army, earning the rank Staff/Sergeant and serving as a Scout with the 44th Infantry Division. He experienced 203 days of combat in France and Germany, earning three battle stars. Soon after his honorable discharge he enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan University. Pursuing his interests in athletics he became Ohio Wesleyan’s starting fullback in 1946. Merle left college to pursue a farming career. In 1960, he enrolled at Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology. He earned a Wall Street Journal Award and was inducted into the Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honorary.

Merle was farm manager of Lashey-Ruth Farms for 50 years. During that time, he was the CEO at the Marion Production Credit Corporation for 13 years, where he was involved with the growth and success of farmers in our community as well as accepting a United States Agency of International Development appointment as a credit specialist in the countries of Kenya, Egypt and Swaziland. He also served a term as a Marion County Commissioner before his retirement.

He traveled extensively during his later years, highlighted by a return to the beaches of Normandy, France where he landed during World War ll. Merle was honored and proud to be a part of the Greatest Generation. His relaxation was spending time on Lake Erie, cruising and walleye fishing in his Lyman boat. He was awarded a Fish Ohio trophy by catching a ten and one half pound, thirty inch walleye, which was mounted above his desk. Because of his deep appreciation of music, he loved attending cultural and Broadway musical performances in New York and Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The Ohio State University held a special place in his life. He was a proud Ohio State Buckeye football fan, attending many home games as well as away games with the Buckeye Boosters.

The Marion YMCA facility and his many friends at the YMCA has also been a special part of his life. He was a charter member of the facility on Church Street as well as the present one on Wellness Drive.

Merle’s membership included: The Ohio State University President’s Club, Marion Ohio State Alumni, Ohio State University Boosters, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Marion Palace Cultural Arts, Life Member of the American Legion Post 101 LaRue, OH, Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7210 Marion, OH, Future Farmers of America, Marion YMCA, and the Green Camp United Methodist Church.

Merle’s survivors include one son, David Vincent (Nancy) Lashey of Middletown, DE. Two daughters, Beth Lynn (Joseph) Cesta of Lebanon, OH and Miriam Lashey (Larry) Whisler of Marion, OH. Three grandsons, Mark (Tammy) Lashey of Townsend, DE, Matthew (Richard Grenell) Lashey of Los Angeles, CA and Benjamin (Janie) Lashey of Leesburg, VA. Three grandchildren through marriage, Joseph (Allison) Cesta of Lebanon, OH, Ali Rae (Eric) Hickman of Mainville, OH and Anne Marie (Alex) Laber of Morrow, OH. Merle had twelve great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. In addition, a very special companion, Suzanna S. Marley. Sue brought much laughter and love into Merle’s golden years. Sue and Merle were together for 15 years. Sue’s two daughters, son-in-law and her grandchildren respected and loved Merle. Numerous nephews and nieces survive.

Merle was preceded in death by a brother, Robert D. (Donna) Lashey and sister, Gloria Ann ( James) Ruth.

Life is a journey. We each choose our own path and these choices create our future. Every twist and turn and miraculous detours have purpose. Merle had a life full of many wonderful adventures.

Calling hours will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm. His funeral service will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10 am with a procession to Marion Cemetery following immediately after.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made out to Joyce's Angels or Heartland Hospice.

Services

Visitation

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Epworth United Methodist Church (249 E. Center St, Marion, OH)

Funeral Service

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

10:00 AM

Epworth United Methodist Church (249 E. Center St, Marion, OH)