Merl L. Hilborn, age 79, of Green Camp, died Wednesday night, September 1, 2010 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
He was born on April 1, 1931 in Crawford County the son of the late Chester W. and Viola D. (Cover) Hilborn.
After graduating from Morral High School in 1950, Merl spent a short time at Bowling Green State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War.
On May 20, 1951 he married Anna Mae Lanius. They were married for over 50 years before she passed away in 2003.
An employee at Whirlpool for over 30 years, Merl retired as a supervisor in 1989. Many may also remember him and his identical twin brother, Berl as co-owners of Twin Sunoco on North Main during the 50’s.
Merl had a passion for golf and until some recent health problems he would play almost every day. He once won one of the first Heart of Ohio Golf Tournaments. That win gave him the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am at the Muirfield.
He was also a basketball referee for many years and even officiated a Cleveland vs. the Globetrotters game in the 60’s.
Merl always enjoyed watching the Buckeye football and basketball teams play
He held membership at the V.F.W. Post #7201 and organized the Red Cross Blood Drive while at Whirlpool.
Merl will be remembered as one who always had a laugh and a smile. He was once described as someone it only took you once to meet and you’d remember him always.
He will be missed by his daughters Aimee Davis and her husband Burl of Marion and Kara Williamson and her husband Glen of Johnstown, Colorado; his son Mel L. and his partner David Daniel of Anchorage, Alaska; 4 grandkids Amber and Brandy Davis of Marion and Zachery and Madison Williamson of Johnstown, Colorado; twin brother Berl of Morral; his girlfriend Mozelle “Babe” Sands of Richwood; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his two sisters Glendoris Lamb and Geraldine Schertzer.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday September 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center Street, Marion with Pastor Bill Middleton officiating. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private graveside services will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Merl’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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