Merlin D. "Mac" Mccrary

Merlin D. “Mac” McCrary, 91, of Lodi, died peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Burbank Parke Care Center after a period of declining health.

Mac was born July 9, 1927 in Ashtabula to the late Oliver Willard and Mabel Gertrude (Elliott) McCrary and graduated from East Conneaut High School. On Dec. 6, 1947 he married Nancy Jane Williams and she preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 1996. He retired from Gowe Printing in Medina where he had been a truck driver and attended Lodi United Methodist Church. Mac was raised in Pierpont, Ohio, at a time when your word was your bond and a handshake sealed a deal. He was proud of his Irish heritage, his family, and his 45 years of sobriety. Locally known as 'The Mule Man', he enjoyed participating with his prized team of Haflinger mules, Penny and Jenny, in holiday parades, civic and church functions, and county and state fairs. Mac chaired the 4-H Chippewa Swine Club and his NM&M Duroc hogs repeatedly took top honors. Early on he was a farmer, herdsman, dairyman, and auctioneer. He was the quintessential American, truly one of the last of the cowboys, and will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his daughter, Karen Hankins of Wooster; grandchildren, Kari (Brent) Murray and Brian (Heather) Walton; great-grandchildren, Hailee (Tyler Parsons) Becerra, Mitchell Murray, Logan Walton and Colton Walton; great-great-grandchidlren, Elijah, Bristol, Wren and Meadow and special friend, Michelene “Mick” Lea and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife and a son, Michael McCrary, son-in-law, Mike Hankins and great-grandson, Zach Murray.

Friends may call Wednesday, April 10th from 4-6 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home where Rev. Dr. Diane Bell will conduct services at 6:00 p.m. A family interment service will be held later at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Lodi United Methodist Church, PO Box 3, Lodi, OH 44254.