Merle Dale Brouse

Merle was born in Cassopolis on September 22, 1923, to the late Charles and Katie Brouse. He was preceded in death by his brothers Vernon and Kenneth Brouse, sister Doris Ruhl, wives E. June Brouse and Lula (Lue) Johnson-Brouse, grandson Timothy Campbell, and John and Dave Johnson.

He is survived by his children Dennis Brouse (Kathy), Lorrie Brouse (Richard Piazza), Wendy Campbell (Michael), Anne Johnson, Kevin Johnson (Elizabeth Key), Jeanie Johnson, Randall Johnson, Shirley Grose, Bill Johnson; sister-in-law Sandy Grabill (Dean), grandchildren Joseph Brouse, Jeremy Brouse, Jeffrey Brouse, Jon Campbell (Alysa), Josh Campbell (Mayra), Dawn Farmer (Jeff), Shannon Wilson (Ron); great-grandchildren Lily and Jade Campbell, Grace and Lonnie Campbell, Isabel, Emma, and Kenneth Brouse; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and several step-grand and great-grandchildren.

Growing up in Michigan, Merle worked on the farm with his family, and felt at home on the tractor. Like many young men throughout the U.S. responding to the call to support the Allied Forces during World War II, Merle joined the Army at age 18. Impressed with his natural skills of driving the more difficult equipment, Merle ultimately was assigned to drive a tank and served in the Pacific. Merle had said, “Driving a tank just felt natural to me, after being used to driving a tractor. I got in and just knew what to do.” As was a woman’s patriotic duty during the war, June wrote letters to Merle, and when he returned they married a year later. In 1950, their son Dennis was born, and after nine years they adopted baby daughters Lorrie and Wendy from South Korea.

Merle and his family continued to live on the farm until the fall of 1965, when they moved to southern WV for him attend what was then known as Appalachian Bible Institute. He attended classes during the day and worked night shift at the West Virginia Turnpike in Beckley. Dennis recalled, “Dad would show up for church with little or no sleep, believing that obligations came before personal comfort.” He subsequently graduated in 1968, and remained a minister at Eccles Community Church until age 90.

When June passed away after her retirement, Merle found himself alone and needed something to fill his time and cope with the loss of June. As a teenager, he and his brothers Vernon and Kenneth had often ridden motorcycles, so after a more than 40-year hiatus, Merle bought a Harley Davidson, and his life entered a new chapter. Throughout his late 60s, 70s, and even into his 80s and early 90s, Merle traveled the U.S. on his “bike.” He initially traveled with his daughter Wendy, her husband Michael, and their three boys. Wendy recalled, “The motorcycle trips we took while our boys were growing up taught them to love nature and acceptance of everyone.” “Riding gave him a purpose,” Lorrie said. As Merle explored West Virginia on his Harley, one fateful day he walked into a Harley shop and met the owner Kevin Johnson, which would change both of their lives forever. Kevin remembered fondly, “When Merle came into the shop and introduced himself, we both knew we were going to be friends. He had such a kind nature.” Later that night, Merle told Lorrie about meeting Kevin and said, “I made a friend for life.”

Kevin and Merle rode their motorcycles across the United States and became the best of friends. After knowing Merle for several years, Kevin and his sister Anne decided that he should meet their mother Lue, also widowed. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and one year later a lovely fall wedding was planned. “During that season of their lives, I couldn’t have chosen a more thoughtful and loving man for my mother,” Anne said affectionately. Lue’s family wholeheartedly agreed. Years later, Lue became sick and passed away, and Merle lost his partner in love. As close families do, the two blended families gathered around Merle and comforted each other.

Over the years, the families felt blessed to have him in their lives, and they respected him for his gentleness, humor, faith and friendship. In September 2023, Merle’s 100th birthday was joyously celebrated. When asked what he thought was the secret to long life, without hesitation Merle said, “Stay healthy, trust in the Lord, and help other people.” Those weren’t just words to him, but a way of life.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Merle’s life is planned for Wednesday, May 15 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV. Visitation is from 11:00-12:00, with the memorial service beginning at 12:00. Merle’s ashes will be placed beside his wife June at the Blue Ridge Memorial Mausoleum, immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local hospice chapter in memory of Merle. The family wishes to thank everyone who kept in touch with Merle over the years with visits, phone calls, cards, and letters. It meant the world to him.