Merle D. Staiger, 91, of Slippery Rock passed away peacefully Wednesday at his home.

Merle was born July 20, 1925, in Slippery Rock, to the late Daniel Staiger and Julianna Flora Klein Staiger.

Merle proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a troop transport, gunner's mate third class onboard the USS Sandoval in the Pacific.

Merle was a member of St. Johns Methodist Church. He faithfully visited the shut-ins and those in nursing homes until his health declined and he was unable to do so. He operated his own auto body repair shop for many years and was a Brady Township supervisor for more than 30 years.

Merle loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and going for long walks and rides in the country.

Merle is survived by his daughters, Barbara Rock of West Sunbury and Faith (Frank) Barron of Slippery Rock; his son, Donald (Helen) Staiger of Slippery Rock; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Soose, Joshua (Devon) Rock, Matthew Barron and Kristina (Bob) Krusey; and his great-grandchildren, Darrion, Baylen and Brisha Rock and Abigail Krusey.

Also surviving are one sister, Virginia McClelland of Butler; two brothers, Hugh Staiger of Palmyra, Va., and John (Guretta) Staiger of Butler; and many nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Irene H. Staiger, who died April 15, 1996; his son, Dale Staiger; and his son-in-law, Bill Rock.

STAIGER — The family of Merle D. Staiger, who died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the William F. Young Funeral Home, 132 Main St., West Sunbury, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John's United Methodist Church, 244 Hallston Road, Slippery Rock.Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jean Smith, his pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the West Sunbury Union Cemetery.Military honors will be provided at the church by the Lyndora American Legion Post 778, the Butler VFW Post 249 and the Butler American Legion Post 117.If desired, online condolences may be submitted at www.williamfyoungfh.com.