Raymond Lee Merkley
September 10, 1975 ~ July 13, 2017
Raymond Lee Merkley, 41, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2017, due to complications of diabetes. Born on September 10, 1975, in Madison, Ohio, Ray was the beloved son of Raymond and Lee Anne Merkley of Harpersfield. He was the dear father of Samantha (Steven Bolander) of Geneva, Brittany (Brandon Weigel) of Madison, Matthew and Joshua Merkley of Harpersfield; and grandfather of Robert, Lucas and May-Marie Weigel of Madison.
Ray also is survived by his beloved sister, Stephanie Merkley-Ross (Damon); his nieces, Alexis, Jenna and Aubrie of Geneva; his maternal grandmother, Leona Pennington, and aunt Peggy Pennington-Aten, both of Naples, Fla.; and many cousins and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ruth and Raymond Lee Merkley; his maternal grandfather, William Pennington; his uncles, Lawrence Merkley and Walter Sherman; and aunts, Lois Bierman, Susan Gallagher and Joan Hemming.
Ray loved spending time with his family and enjoyed taking his children fishing on his boat. He was a 1994 graduate of Madison High School in Madison, Ohio.
For the last 15 years, Ray worked as an EMT at Tri-County Ambulance Service in Mentor. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed races at Thompson Speedway, where he worked as an EMT.
Friends and family will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Immaculate Conception Church, 2846 Hubbard Road, Madison, with Father Donnelly officiating. Burial will follow in Harpersfield Cemetery, Route 307.
Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My dear Raymond, You gave so much of your heart to others. You were truly kind and caring. I will miss you so. Your bright light has gone out on earth and is now shining brightly in the heavens. Peaceful be your journey, my sweet boy. I love you with all my heart, dear one. Forever in time. Aunt Peg