MERLE GAVER

1929 - 2024

Merle R. Gaver, 95, of Myersville, MD, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, November 15, 2024.

He was the beloved husband of Doris E. Smith Gaver, his loving wife of 71 years, having married on August 2, 1953.

Merle was born February 23, 1929, in Myersville, and was the son of the late Ralph R. and Mildred Baker Gaver.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Lisa (Brad) Burtner and Kevin (Lisa) Gaver, three granddaughters, Abby (Chris) Dillon, Molly (Shane) Yarrington, and Brittney Mercer; four great-grandchildren, Reese and Ruby Dillon, Finley and Atticus Yarrington; one brother, Donald (Cindy) Gaver; and two cats, Girlie and Buddy.

As a lifelong resident of Myersville, Merle grew up walking the hills and fields when they were still bare. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. After high school, he was employed by local builder, Calvin Shafer, who later built Merle and Doris' forever home. Merle was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and obtained the rank of Sergeant while serving during the Korean War. After his military service, Merle started a career in plumbing that spanned more than four decades. He began by learning the trade with Mehrl Wachter and Bob McLaren, later working for R.W. Warner, Inc., until his retirement. After retirement, he worked for Pryor Mechanical, Inc. He was proud of his many side projects, installing bathrooms and furnaces in countless homes around his community.

Merle was a man of many talents and had a strong work ethic, making work his play. He enjoyed working with his hands and could teach himself just about anything. He found pleasure in his work, often joking, "I'm a jack of all trades, master of none." During the warmer months, he could be found working in his yard and garden. He took great pride in his immense garden, where a weed was hard to find. It gave him great joy to share the produce with family and friends. Merle and Doris worked together to preserve their harvest by canning and freezing. He valued raising his own food, including chickens, and caring for and butchering steers.

During the winter months, Merle enjoyed making sauerkraut, curing ham, and cracking black walnuts. His woodshop was a place where he spent countless hours crafting everything from furniture to signs, and other woodworking projects. Later in life, he developed a particular fondness for replicating barn hex stars in his craftwork. Merle also enjoyed helping with the Wolfsville Ruritan Club and Fire Co.'s butcherings.

Merle had a special place in his heart for nature and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels in his yard. He loved walking in the woods, mushroom hunting, and appreciating nature's miracles. He cut, split, and stacked his own firewood. He also had a deep interest in genealogy, devoting much time to researching his ancestry and connecting both his family and community. Merle was always willing to help anyone in need, opening his home to many family members and friends over the years who needed care or a place to stay.

Merle was predeceased by two siblings, Bernard Gaver and Evelyn Venezky. He greatly treasured the friendships he formed later in life, including his cherished morning meets with the "Burger King Crew" -- Brian Lawyer, Dwayne and Gary Leatherman, Obed Brandenburg, and Sonia -- as well as his close friends, Jim Thompson and Don Harrington.

The family would like to thank the staff at Frederick Health Hospice, especially nurses, Anna and Trish, for their wonderful care.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery. Everyone is welcome and the family requests everyone to dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frederick Health Hospice or St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 12704 Wolfsville Rd, Smithsburg, MD, 21783. MERLE GAVER