COLUMBIANA - Merle E. Bowen, 82, of Columbiana, passed away on August 30, 2023 at St. Mary's Alzheimer's Center.

Merle was born on June 27, 1941 in Salem, OH, a son of E. Marie (Townsend) and Melvin E. Bowen.  He was a graduate of North Lima High School in 1959 and went on to pursue a sheet metal apprenticeship. Merle was a respected member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 and worked over 60 years at various places, such as Martin-Nelson, Roth Bros., Aerotech, and Firestone. In addition to his career as a Sheet metal worker, Merle taught the craft through the union for 15 years.

Merle was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Columbiana for over 65 years, where he was a deacon and Elder as well as a trustee.  He worked for many years at the Elk Horn Valley church camp.  Merle was also a member of several other organizations, including the Tri-County 4 Wheelers Club, N. Central Cushman Club, Cushman Club of America, and Bass Club.

Merle is survived by his wife, Sandra 'Sandy'; sister Linda Bowen of Dayton, OH; son Michael (Dawn) Bowen of Aurora, OH; daughter Michele Bechtel of Columbiana; daughter Susan (Scott) Bryarly of Columbiana; seven grandchildren Monica (Jay) Matthey, Brian (Samantha) Bechtel, Carleen (David) Armentrout, Lauren Bowen, Connor (Rachel) Bowen, Jared Bryarly and Anthony Bryarly; 10 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Melvin 'Jake' Bowen, who passed away on July 6, 2001.

A funeral service for Merle will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana.

The family will receive friends an hour before the services, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Mary's Alzheimer's Center, 1899 W. Garfield Road, Columbiana, OH 44408.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

St. Mary's Alzheimer's Center
1899 W. Garfield Road, Columbiana OH 44408