Merle Robert Spring passed away on Friday, February 1, 2008 in North Canton, Ohio. Merle was 89 years old and a lifelong resident of Canton, Ohio. He was a graduate of McKinley High School, class of 1936. He was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, served in the 8th Air Force in England during World War II and was a retired partner of Spring Electric Company. Merle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean and his sister Marjorie Bauer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald. Merle and Jean have seven children; five sons and two daughters, Steve (Carol) Spring, Fritz (Susan) Spring, Chuck (Gale) Spring, Heidi (Dean) Wallace, Robert (Joyce) Spring all of Canton, Julie Myers of Wewahitchka, Florida, and Bruce Spring of Los Angeles, California. There are eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. Friends are invited to a fellowship lunch at noon on Tuesday, February 5 at Trinity Church, 3909 Blackburn Road, Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, The Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, PO Box 811, St. John, VI 00831 or a favorite Charity. (Arnold-Canton 330-456-7291) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com