John Merrilees Obituary

John Joel "Joe" Merrilees

Sep 1, 1932 - Mar 10, 2026

North Fairfield

John Joel "Joe" Merrilees, 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, September 1, 1932, to his parents, M. Elizabeth (Sides) & John "Jack" Merrilees. In 1933, the family moved to Townsend Township, Huron County, Ohio, and he began farming with his dad at an early age. Joe was a 1951 graduate of former Townsend High School in a graduating class of five.

Joe served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War veteran. He was active in the American Legion for 63 years, first at Fitchville Memorial, then later at the New London Broome-Wood Post, and was part of the color guard. He traveled with his fellow veterans on the Huron County Honor Trip to Washington, D.C. and was honored to place the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Joe met the love of his life, Irene Earl, and they married December 1, 1956. They were blessed with 69 loving years and always worked together on their family farm in Fitchville Township. Later, their son joined the farm operation.

His hobby was beekeeping. He was superintendent of the Huron County Sr. Fair Bee & Honey Department for over 40 years. He was also active in the Richland Area Beekeepers Association & the Ohio State Beekeepers Association. Joe's other interests were antique tractors and equipment.

He was a member of the Firelands Area Restorers of Machines (F.A.R.M) and several other local clubs where he enjoyed displaying his tractors and engines.

Joe was a member of the Fitchville Community Church, serving the Lord in many ways.

While his children were growing up, he was a 4-H advisor and the Legion coordinator for both Boy & Cub Scouts. He was also a Golden Sheaf member of the Fitchville, Pomona, State, & National Granges. He was a Huron County Farm Bureau member and county trustee for many terms.

He was on the Republican County Central Committee and a poll worker.

Joe was a Fitchville Township Trustee for 32 years. He completed and received his diploma from the Township Leadership Academy Program in 2008.

Joe is survived by his wife; his children, John (Sharon) Merrilees of Norwalk and Janet (Jeff) Scheid of Monroeville; grandchildren, Jacklyn (Lance) Davis and Clement (Allison) Scheid; stepgrandson, Nathan (Megan) Meagrow; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Keith and Cooper; stepgreat-grandchildren Payton and Parker; his sister, Meg (Ned) Rutter; brother-in- law, Robert (Judy) Earl; along with many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law, Edna (Lyle) Smith, Elsie (Rod) Righter, Betty (Larry) Schreck, and Roberta (Robert) Gray.

Visitation will be from noon- 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life memorial service beginning at 3 p.m. at Fitchville Community Church.

Private burial will take place at Fitchville Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be given to Fitchville Community Church, 1593 Hwy 250 S., New London, OH 44851 or Huron County Honor Trip, P.O. Box 65, Norwalk, OH 44857.