COLUMBIANA, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Merle E. Bowen, 82, of Columbiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center.

Merle was born on June 27, 1941 in Salem, Ohio, 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, Ohio; son, Michael (Dawn) Bowen of Aurora, Ohio; 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; ten 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 a.m. at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana. The family will receive friends an hour before the services, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 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.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merle E. Bowen, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Friday, September 1 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.