Merle D. Downs, age 85 of Alliance, died at 8:16 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 at Alliance Community Hospital.
He was born Feb. 21, 1921 in Paris, Ohio to Homer and Ruth (Gugelman) Downs; was formerly of Paris and lived in Alliance for the past 15 years.
Mr. Downs was employed by Keener Rubber Company for 27 years.
He was a member of the Maranatha Church of God.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jane (Kelly) Downs, whom he married Jan. 1, 1957 and celebrated his 50th anniversary with; one sister, Martha Davis of Sun City, Az.; one brother, Frank Downs of Louisville, Oh; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Faye Downs, and brothers, Carl Downs and Ray Downs.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home with Rev. Delania Kaiser officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Beechwood Cemetery.