Merle Eugene Davis

Merle E. Davis, 85, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on May 12, 2013 after a brief battle with Leukemia. Merle was the son of Carl and Euid Davis, Born February 16, 1928 in Sequim Washington. He attended Port Townsend High School and graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1945. After High School, Merle served as a deck hand on a tug boat touring the Straights of Juan De Fuca, a very rough body of water to tour just off the coast of Victoria Island. After a brief tour, Merle elected to join the United States Army and served as a Medical Corpsman in San Diego California. Following his tour with the Army, he attended Arizona State University and graduated from Central Washington University. Merle received his teaching degree and then earned his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. Merle married Joyce Rhoads in 1952. They adopted two children, Barbara Ann and Michael. During the summer vacations while living in Tumwater Washington, Merle supported his young family working during the summer at the Olympia Brewery as a pipe fitter. He mentioned that it was hard work but worth a beer. Joyce passed away in 1982. Merle served in the Tumwater School District for 30 years. He was a teacher and progressed to the Elementary School Principal for Peter G. Schmidt. Merle continued on to be the Principal of Tumwater Middle School. Merle retired from teaching and went on to work for Hodges Real Estate for 10 years. Merle met Beverly Miller at a school board meeting and married her in June of 1983. Beverly and Merle were married for 28 years. They enjoyed their retirement together and traveled the world and wintered in Palm Springs.

Merle is survived by Barbara Valdez of Holland, MI. and Michael Davis of Pasco, WA., Step-daughter and son-in-law Shelley and Mark Seidenverg of Bend, OR., Step-son Michael Miller of Tenino, WA., Step-son and wife Stephen and Cindy Miller of Camarillo, CA., Step- daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Randy Fisher of Portland, OR., Grandson and wife Aaron and Cassie Miller of Rochester, WA., Granddaughter Lindsay Seidenverg of Denalli, AK., Granddaughter and husband Lauren and Kenny Aultman of Olympia, WA., Granddaughter Amy Seidenverg of Bend, OR., Granddaughter Ashlee Brooks of Phoenix, AZ., Great Grandson Easton Miller of Rochester and Great Granddaughter Ruby Ann Aultman of Olympia, WA.

Funeral service will be held at Mills & Mills, May 29, at 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Sound Homecare and Hospice.

God Bless Merle forever.