Merlin M. Reese, 84 of New Springfield, Ohio, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at his daughter's residence. Merlin was born on September 7, 1923 and was the son of William Hensel and Effie Caroline Evers Reese. Mr. Reese was a life-long area resident. He was a farmer and retired from farming in 1952. Merlin worked in the mill, the Youngstown Steel Tank for 17 years as a fitter. Mr. Reese owned and operated Reese Welding from 1971-1988. Merlin was a member of the New Springfield Church of God, where he served as a past trustee and an usher. Mr. Reese was preceded in death on July 21, 2003 by his wife, the former Mary Margaret Bieber. They were married December 22, 1945. Merlin is survived by two daughters, Helen Reese of Boardman and Darla Dunsing of New Springfield; a son, Wayne Reese and his wife Victoria of Salem; a grandchild Nikki and her husband Damian Perry and three great-grandchildren Dylan, Dominic and Madelyn. He was preceded in death by two brothers William Carl Reese and Emory Wilson Reese and a sister Effie Manola Reese. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at the New Springfield Church of God with Rev. Alan Leach and Rev. Wilbur Hosler officiating. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima and one hour prior to the service on Friday, March 21, 2008 at the church.