Merle Conley

Merle R. Conley, age 89, of Logan, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2025, at Pickering House, Lancaster, Ohio. He was born July 24, 1936, to the late Coet and Vertie Cecil (Pigmon) Conley.

Merle was a 1955 graduate of McArthur High School in Vinton County, where he was a member of FFA and the basketball and football teams. He later pursued some studies at Morehead State University (Kentucky) and completed the necessary training to become an electrician. He was a life-member of the Moose Lodge #873, and also a member of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, both of Logan.

Merle was a sharp and determined man who exemplified hard work and dedication his entire life. He served as an industrial maintenance technician and electrician for a variety of local industries, including the former Keynes Brothers flour mill, from which he retired. He built his own house in Marion Township, on a property that now provides space for homes of several of his descendants. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he passed along a legacy of diligence and financial responsibility, as well as a love for bluegrass and jazz music, old westerns and OSU football.

Merle is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judith Louise (Cook) Conley; his children, Valeri Brokaw (the late Douglas), Jeffery Conley (Kim), and Carla Keys (Kelly); his stepson, Jeffrey Mundy; his grandchildren, Kristen Conley Robinson (Joshua), Jessica Conley Edgington (Rock), Jonathan Brokaw, Emily Brokaw, Elisabeth Brokaw, Kathryn Keys Dryden (Noah), and Samuel Keys; his great-grandchildren, Lila Conley, Willow Edgington, Caroline Dryden, and Myra Dryden; his sister, Carolyn Lewis (the late Fred); and special friends and caregivers, Les and Nancy DeLong of Sugar Grove, Ohio, along with many other loving family members.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Coet and Vertie Conley, as well as his brother, Lowell Conley, and half-brother, Carlos Conley.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home, Logan, Ohio. Burial will follow at Knollwood Cemetery, 29900 Chieftain Drive, Logan, Ohio.

Calling hours will be observed from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to FairHoPe Hospice / Pickering House, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family at this website: www.brownfuneralservice.net/condolence Merle Conley