Merl W. Cummings' Obituary
CUMMINGS, Merl W., a family-oriented gentleman who loved to make people laugh, age 82, of Waynesville, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020 at his residence after a short battle with cancer. He was born July 16, 1938 to Webb and Erma Cummings in Dayton, Ohio.
Merl was an Army veteran. He retired from General Electric in 2000 after 22 years of service. In addition, he owned and operated Cummings Paint & Custom outside of Waynesville in the 1970’s, which provided custom paint, body work, and graphics for automobile and motorcycles. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington and the AMVETS Post 120 in Franklin.
With a huge heart, Merl was fun-loving, was always joking with people, and was always willing to help others. Naturally handy and a jack of all trades, he used his skill of building things to build his home and barns, but also in the form of volunteer work. He volunteered for Samaritan’s Purse through his church, whereby he volunteered and built churches in Alaska and in the southern states. Over the years, he enjoyed restoring old automobiles, with a ’62 Impala, a ’66 Oldsmobile, and a ’48 Chevy truck being his favorite projects. He also enjoyed gardening and yard work in his free time. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of travel and was fortunate enough to travel to 49 states. The many trips to Gatlinburg, Florida, and North Carolina will always be remembered some of the favorites.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Arthur and James Cummings; and five sisters Eileen Fries, Betty Hicks, Martha DeBurlet, Pat Hart, and Beverly Jenkins. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lynda; two sons Mark (Pamela) Cummings and Doug (Megan) Cummings; daughter Tricia (Jon) Nichols; nine grandchildren Joseph (Brandy) Friend, Becky Watts, Amanda (Jim) Cliburn, Jonathan Nichols, Conner Nichols, Elizabeth Nichols, Morgan Jacobs, Rhonda Cummings, and Nick Cummings; eight great grandchildren Cody, Rylee, Kennedi, Gunner, Paisley, Owen, Liam, and Avery; and great great grandson Cole.
A celebration of life service will be held 1 PM Saturday July 25 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1920 St. Rt 22 West, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Pastor Stephen Sturgin will be officiating. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Burial will be in Hillgrove Union Cemetery, Miamisburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child, 1920 St. Rt. 22 West, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.
During this difficult time, if you are feeling ill or unhealthy in any way, you are encouraged to pay your respects in alternative methods, such as sending a sympathy card or sharing a memory though our online tribute wall. Following the state's current guidelines, please remember to bring a mask to wear while you are in the church. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com
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