AKRON – L. Merle Strong, 87, of 8320 W. CR 1275S, Akron, died May 5, 2011, in his residence. He was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Silver Lake, to Howard D. and Emma Sebring Strong. On July 3, 1950, in Fulton County, Salem, Ark., he married Florence E. Fike, who survives. He was a mechanic and tool and die maker operator at Chamberlin Products, Akron. He then was a security guard at Black Oxide, Burket. He loved to watch birds and do woodworking. He made many cedar chests for his family. He also enjoyed traveling to Biloxi, Miss. Also surviving are two daughters, Carmen (and spouse Dr. Stephen) Reed, Fort Wayne, and Charlotte (and spouse Charles) Gerdeman, Akron; two sons, John Strong, Akron, and Charles (and spouse Joy) Strong, Monticello; seven grandchildren: Kimberly Reed (and spouse Scott) Heisler, Christopher Reed, Marlayna, Madison and Levi Strong, Steven Tackett, Brittaney Plunkett; and two great-grandchildren, Isabella Heisler and Braden Carey Tackett. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert D. Strong. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Steve Fleck officiating. Burial will be in Akron Cemetery. Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or United Cerebral Palsy. Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
