Merle Leroy Rhymer

Merle L. Rhymer, age 97, of Amanda, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Pickering House in Lancaster. He was born on November 4, 1928, in Fairfield County to George and Janetta "Mae" (Conrad) Rhymer. He was a graduate of Stoutsville High School, class of 1946. Although he was retired from DuPont with over 25 years, he mainly enjoyed helping others in various ways. He mowed yards, cleaned houses, and anything else that folks needed a hand with. Merle attended the Amanda Methodist Church. Merle loved to dance. He was also known to find and fix up bicycles that were in need of repair. He enjoyed going to the harness horse races and our local fairs.

He is survived by his children, Sue (Don) Simpson, and Rod (Susan) Rhymer, both of Amanda; grandchildren, Michelle, Becky, Bridget, Chad, Angie, Craig, Eric, Stephanie, Kristine, and Matt; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Clara (King); brothers, J.D., Charles, and Richard Rhymer; sisters, Viola Hartranft, Pauline Pearce, Marcella Arledge, Catherine Hartley, Cleo Good, and Evelyn Rhymer; great grandson, Adam Roush.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home, Amanda, with Pastor Craig Chaffins officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Stoutsville. To celebrate Merle's years and miles of walking around Amanda, his processsion will follow a route that will take us around town before we head to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, OH 43130.