Earl "Popeye" Merkle

Cincinnati – Earl "Popeye" Merkle graduated to Heaven on May 3, 2023 at the age of 91 years. He was born in 1931 to Jacob "Jake" and Ella Merkle. Earl grew up in Northside, Cincinnati Ohio. He was the brother of Donald "Smokey" Merkle, the late Clarence "Chick" Merkle, the late Melvin "Butch" Merkle, the late Wilber Merkle, the late Willis "Brownie" Merkle, and the late Howard "Skippy" Merkle. He and his brothers enjoyed playing baseball. Earl became a plasterer, just like his father, and six brothers and worked for Hamilton County for 35+ years.
Earl married the love of his life, Laverne Hasse Stockum, in January 1956. He became a Dad to Joan (Dennis) Beisel and Deborah (Rich) Merkle-Olschefski. Earl and Laverne were married for 61 years. He was a grandfather to ten: Michael, Stacey, Dennis (deceased), Jason, Joni, Shannon, Aaron, Philip, Brandon and Christopher and a great-grandfather to seventeen: Kaile, Landry, Sydney, Riley, Meredith, Brienna, Hope, Autumn, Kali, Nick, Alana, Carlin, Skyla, Gavin, Ezra, Zakai and Noah. He is also survived by numerous nieces & nephew.
Earl was the best Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Uncle. He loved and cared for all of his family. He enjoyed swimming and playing pool games with all the kids, teaching card tricks, and baking pies up until the last few years when he became immobile. He was always up for an evening walk to hunt snipes with the kids. Earl took care of Laverne the last three years of her life. Laverne passed away in 2017. He was holding her in his arms when she passed away. He loved greatly and genuinely cared for all people. Earl loved talking to everyone and spreading joy wherever he went. In the past two years, Earl spoke of his desire to go to heaven to be with Jesus and his beloved Laverne. His wish came true.
For the record, Earl hated watermelon and cucumbers. When we tried to hide them in his food, he would always call us out!
Earl was a US Army Veteran. Member of First United Church of Christ. Member of the Plasterers Union for 70 Years
The family would like to thank Earl's physician in York, PA, Dr. Cathy Carpenter, Hillebrand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center caregivers Tina and Lan, Queen City Hospice caregivers, Tawania, Amy, Ken and Kayla for the loving and kind care extended to Earl. Thank you.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 22nd from 9:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45231. Interment to follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Queen City Hospice.
Online condolences can be made at www.paulyoungfuneralhome.com.