Merrill Clayton Detty, 67, a lifelong resident of Oak Hill, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Adena Regional Medical Center, Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born October 20, 1946 to the late Thoburn and Almeda (Gray) Detty.
Merrill taught in the Oak Hill Union Local School District for 35 years, where he also spent many years as a devoted football coach. He was a member of the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and sang in the choir. He was also a Free and Accepted Mason. He was a member of the Siloam Lodge #456 and the Portland Lodge #366 where he was a Past Master. He also served his area as a District Deputy to the Masons. He was a music enthusiast. He loved summers at the beach, time at the farm with his cows and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also loved some of the simple things in life like crossword puzzles, looking for arrowheads, and playing cards. Most of all Merrill loved his family. Everything was done out of love for his wife, his girls, his grandkids and his great-granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Patty; daughters Tiffany (Steve) Metzler, Leah (Patrick) Boggs, Lindsey (Zach) Lester; grandchildren, Emilee Metzler, Karlee Metzler, Nick Metzler, Connor Boggs, Stella Lester, Clayton Boggs, Charlee Lester; and great-granddaughter Kynnedy Metzler; four sisters, Phyllis Cramer, Lola (Gordie) McArtor, Connie (Chuck) Metzler, Theresa (Frank) O’Brien; as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and former students.
Friends may call at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill, Friday, December 27, 2013 from 2 to 7 p.m. with a Masonic service to follow at 7 p.m.
The funeral service to celebrate Merrill’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 205 East Cross Street, with burial at C.M. Cemetery, also in Oak Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: The Oak Hill Union Local Schools, 205 Western Avenue, Oak Hill, OH 45656 – Attn.: Rhonda Harrison, c/o The Merrill Detty Memorial Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com.