Obituaries
John "Joe" Merrilees
March 10, 2026
John Joel “Joe” Merrilees, 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born in Springfield, Ohio on 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 in the Fitchville Memorial then later New London Broom Wood Post and part of the color guards. He traveled with his fellow veterans on the Huron County Honor Trip to Washington D.C. and was honored to place the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Joe met the love of his life Irene Earl, and they married on December 1, 1956. They were blessed with 69 loving years and always worked together on their Fitchville Township family farm. Later, their son joined in 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, Janet (Jeff) Scheid of Monroeville; Grandchildren Jacklyn (Lance) Davis & Clement (Allison) Scheid, Step Grandson Nathan (Megan) Meagrow; Great-Grand Children Kayla, Kelsey, Keith & Cooper, Step Great Grandchildren Payton & Parker; his sister Meg (Ned) Rutter; brother-in- law Robert (Judy) Earl along with many nieces & nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, by his sister-in-laws Edna (Lyle) Smith, Elsie (Rod) Righter, Betty (Larry) Schreck, & Roberta (Robert) Gray.
A visitation will take place Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Fitchville Community Church on the same day at 3:00 PM.
Private burial will take place at the 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, Ohio 44851 or Huron County Honor Trip P.O. Box 65 Norwalk, Ohio 44857.
John "Joe" Merrilees
March 10, 2026
John Joel “Joe” Merrilees, 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born in Springfield, Ohio on 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 in the Fitchville Memorial then later New London Broom Wood Post and part of the color guards. He traveled with his fellow veterans on the Huron County Honor Trip to Washington D.C. and was honored to place the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Joe met the love of his life Irene Earl, and they married on December 1, 1956. They were blessed with 69 loving years and always worked together on their Fitchville Township family farm. Later, their son joined in 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, Janet (Jeff) Scheid of Monroeville; Grandchildren Jacklyn (Lance) Davis & Clement (Allison) Scheid, Step Grandson Nathan (Megan) Meagrow; Great-Grand Children Kayla, Kelsey, Keith & Cooper, Step Great Grandchildren Payton & Parker; his sister Meg (Ned) Rutter; brother-in- law Robert (Judy) Earl along with many nieces & nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, by his sister-in-laws Edna (Lyle) Smith, Elsie (Rod) Righter, Betty (Larry) Schreck, & Roberta (Robert) Gray.
A visitation will take place Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Fitchville Community Church on the same day at 3:00 PM.
Private burial will take place at the 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, Ohio 44851 or Huron County Honor Trip P.O. Box 65 Norwalk, Ohio 44857.