Merrell Dewey Buckles

Merrell Buckles, age 54, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 21, 2018. He was born in Akron, Ohio and lived in the Akron-Springfield-Portage Lakes-Ellet area all of his life. He is a graduate of Coventry High School. Merrell was actively involved in church and regularly attended McNaughton St. Baptist Church for 35+ years, then became a member of Eastwood Church of the Brethren, and more recently enjoyed participating with the Springfield Church of the Brethren. He was proud of being a Summa Health System volunteer for many years. Merrell had a talent for singing in the church choir, bowling on leagues, and playing cards with his family – especially when Art or Marvella Genetin were available! He was an avid fan of church baseball, professional football (cheering the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, or Pittsburgh Steelers, depending on whom he thought was going to win!), the Cleveland Indians, pro-bowling, and he frequently made his way to high school football and basketball games in Springfield and Coventry even when it meant walking a few miles to or from a bus stop. Some of his favorite things in life were Akron’s concerts in the park, pontoon boat rides, train dominos, miniature golf, and New Baltimore ice cream. Merrell was preceded in death by his father, Wm. Donald Buckles; mother, Nancy Buckles; and, sister, Carol (Buckles) Curry. His memory will be cherished forever by his sister, Patty, and her husband, Steve Genetin; nieces and nephews: Kevin, Keith, Kristin and Kyle Genetin, and Malissa (Curry) Coker; special cousins: Jenny, Johnny, and Rachel Honetor, Larry and Janet Buckles, Leslie and John Ponder, Will Buckles; and his aunt, Pat Buckles. Merrell was a unique person. He was independent, yet he needed help and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. He was concerned about others. He had strong opinions. He laughed at his own jokes. He maintained a strong faith in God. He loved belting out hymns with his sister Patty as they drove to and from his apartment on routine outings and his favorite was Great is Thy Faithfulness. He often commented ‘I wonder what Mom’s thinking about us doing this when she’s looking down from heaven’, or ‘God must have wanted …’. It was evident throughout his life that God was with him through the many giving people that assisted, protected, loved, and cared for him. We’ll all miss you, Merrell, till we see you again. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, October 25th, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron (Ellet), Ohio 44312. Funeral Service will be Friday, October 26th, 10am at the funeral home, with Pastors George O’Reilly and Paul Markland officiating. Interment immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2580 Romig Road. All are encouraged to join for a hot lunch and sharing at 11:30 a.m., Springfield Church of the Brethren, 3500 Albrecht Ave, Akron 44312. If desired, memorials may be made to the church.