Merle L. Shearer, 92, longtime resident of Hartville, Ohio, and New Port Ritchey, Florida went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2012. Merle was born in Verona, Pa. to the late Harry Shearer and Margaret Shearer-Wilson on October 12, 1919. He was a member of the IBEW Canton Local 540. He enlisted in the US army in 1941 as a paratrooper and served in WWII. Merle was among the first group of over 500 elite men chosen to be in 503rd company of paratroopers (which later became 509th company). Merle spent time training the British paratroopers in England and made his first combat jump in North Africa in Nov. 8, 1942. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, European- African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and 4 Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award and Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II. Merle had a love for horses and his dogs. Merle, known for his keen wit, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Merle was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, infant son R. Shearer, two brothers Harry A. and William, sister Harriet Chadwick and step-brothers Ed and Ray Wilson, step-sister Mable Kellis. He is survived by daughters Rebecca (Gene) Martz and Rosemary (Tom) Bloom of Hartville, sons Mark (Elaine) and Robert Michael of Florida, Jon (Deeann) of Hartville and Christopher (Kelly) of North Canton; 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; brother Ervin (Celia) Wilson, sister-in-law Billie Shearer, sister Norma (Gene) Schlimm; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Saturday 12 noon to 2 PM at Arnold Funeral Home Hartville. Funeral services are at 2 PM with Pastor Tom Bloom officiating. Final resting place is Mount Peace Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Arnold Hartville 330-877-9364 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com