Merle C. Garber

Merle C. Garber, age 82 of Nashville, died Wednesday September 29, 2010 at Thornapple Manor. Merle was born June 16, 1928 in Brethren , Michigan the son of Abraham and Mabel (Keck) Garber. He attended school in Brethren , Michigan. Merle worked with his brother Bob as a Carpenter in the 60's , AE Hoover Universal in Charlotte from 1969 until he retired in 1980, and was a sexton for 3 area cemeteries. Merle served in the United States Army from 1947 - 1950 when he was honorably discharged. He was married February 6, 1953 to Marjory Henion, she died June 7, 2008. Merle was a member of the Hastings Moose Lodge where he was past Governor and Fellow Legion. He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, picking up walnuts and doing yard work. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjory, a daughter Diane Garber, grandson Scott Garber, great-grandson Tilyr Bower, 8 brothers and sisters. Merle is survived by his sons , Daniel Garber of Nashville , Robert (Judy) Garber of Nashville, Merle (Sandy) Garber of Lowell, Jeff (Teresa) Garber of Grandville, 4 grandchildren, Angela Bower, Bruce (Crystal Svenson) Garber, Jessica (George) Rollins, Jeffery Garber , Holly Netha, 8 great-grandchildren, 5 sisters , 2 brothers, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday October 1, 2010 from 12:00 - 2:00pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. A private graveside will be held with Deacon James Mellen. Burial will be at Hastings Township Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Thornapple Manor or Barry Community Hospice. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Please visit our web page to leave a message or memory to the family (girrbachfuneralhome.net).