MERTON W. DELL

Merton Wayne Dell, originally from Bainbridge Township, Watervliet, Michigan, and more recently from Miami Township, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2025. Merton was born Oct. 19, 1932 in Covert, Michigan, the son of William Henry and Laura May (Pumfery) Dell. His time on earth was 92 years.

He was a graduate of Watervliet High School in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1955. On May 11, 1957, he married Donna Schwarz at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Bainbridge. He worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for nineteen years. After retiring from the telephone company, he began farming, raising fruits and vegetables. At the time, he was the third largest squash grower in the state of Michigan. In a lifetime of seasons, spring meant it was time to plow and plant but he knew the harvest was up to God.

For many years, Merton was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Watervliet, serving on the church board as well as in other capacities. Before that, he was an involved member of St. Paul’s Church in Bainbridge, serving on the church board as well as various other committees.

He was a member of the VFW Post 6803 Watervliet, American Legion Post 362 Coloma, National Rifle Association, Republican Party, and Farm Bureau. He along with his wife were leaders in the restoration of St. Paul’s Church Cemetery as well as several other local cemeteries.

He is survived by his two daughters Valerie (William) Huber of Vienna, Virginia, and Christine (Erich) Eckley of Bellbrook, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Jayme) Huber, Matthew (Natalie) Huber, Emily (Maxwell) Roy, William (Hannah) Huber, Andrew Eckley, Daniel Eckley, and Cayla Eckley. He was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, Marlowe Huber, Graham Huber, Teagan Huber, Lucie Roy, Ada Roy, David Roy, William “Liam” Huber IV, Bennett Huber, and Heidi Huber, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Merton was predeceased by his wife, Donna (Schwarz) Dell, two brothers, Donald and Gordon Dell and sister Lucile (Dell) Van Duzer.

A viewing was held at Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet, Michigan, on Wednesday, June 11, with a funeral service and burial ceremony immediately following. Burial is at New Hope Cemetery, Bainbridge Township, Watervliet, Michigan.

Memorials may be sent in Merton’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.