Raymond A. Merkley

Raymond A. Merkley, 69, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on November 21, 1956, in Madison, Ohio, Ray was the loving husband to Lee Anne Pennington-Merkley for 51 years; beloved father to Stephanie Merkley-Ross (Damon); grandfather to Samantha (Steven Bolander), Brittany (Brandon Weigel), Matthew and Josh Merkley, and Alexis, Jenna and Aubrie Ross; a great-grandfather of five and an uncle to many.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved son, Raymond; great-granddaughter Emmalynn Rae; his parents, Raymond Lee and Ruth Merkley; and brothers Lawrence Merkley and Walter Sherman.

For 50 years, Ray was an owner-operator of a tractor-trailer that took him many places all over the country. He loved to travel with his family. They enjoyed taking long car rides to look at fall leaves or Christmas lights. Ray loved having his grandchildren over and they enjoyed weekend pancakes with Grandpa and knew that he always had a freezer full of ice cream and popsicles to share.

Ray was generous with his time, always willing to help out family, friends and strangers. Pulling a car out of the snow or changing a tire for a stranger, he was always ready to help. He was a friend to all. He was a good man that will be missed by so many family members and friends.

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Behm Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. There will be a service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at Behm Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Harpersfield Cemetery, Route 307. Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com