Merle R. Manon

Merle R. Manon, age 84, of Farmer, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Parkview Hospital Randallia, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Merle was born on March 24, 1941, in Farmer Township, Defiance County, Ohio, to Helen (Rice) and Maynard Manon. He was a 1959 graduate of Farmer High School. He was a member of the Farmer Church of Christ, until it closed in September 2006. He served as a Sunday school superintendent, deacon, trustee and church treasurer. Merle later became a member of West Milford Church of Christ, where he served as deacon, trustee and member of the church board. Merle was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam Era and later in the Ohio National Guard. Merle was a member of the Farmer American Legion Post No. 137 for 57 continuous years, where he served in various offices. He was a member of the Farmer Grange No. 2101 until it closed, working in several different offices. Merle also served as an Ohio State Grange Deputy Master for the counties of Defiance, Henry, Lucas and Paulding. In addition, he served on the Defiance County Farm Bureau Board for eight years, representing Farmer Township. He was on the board of directors for the Crippled Children and Adults Society in Hicksville. Merle previously worked at White Motor Company, The Aro Corporation and The Ohio Art Company before figuring out that employment in agri-business was his calling, where he was an operator of many ag-equipment positions. Later in life he worked as a security officer. Merle was a dedicated donor to the Red Cross Blood Donation Bank, donating over 19 ½ gallons of blood.

Merle is survived by his son, James (Jennifer) Manon of Hoagland, Indiana; sister, Norma Cook; granddaughter, Shylo (Adam) Herman; and great-grandchildren, Easton, Beau and Angus. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Melissa Nailor; brother, Richard Manon; youngest sister, Shirley Jackson.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Farmer Cemetery, with Minister Dan Grant officiating. Military rites will be accorded by combined honor guard Farmer American Legion Post 137, Hicksville American Legion Post 223 and Sherwood VFW Post 5665. Services are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Bryan.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Crippled Children and Adults Society or West Milford Church of Christ.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.