Merle R. Walters, 89

Merle R. Walters, 89, formerly of Scio (Perrysville), died peacefully Saturday morning, Jan. 22, 2022, in Carroll Golden Age Retreat at Carrollton following an extended illness.

Born Sept. 29, 1932, in Carrollton, he was the son of the late Roy Leonard and Gilcy Kirby Walters.  

His wife, Elizabeth P. “Libby” McGary Walters, whom he married June 15, 1958, passed away Oct. 12, 2015. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Gavorcik; and a brother, Harold Walters.

Merle owned and operated the former Merle’s Clip and Style Barbershop in Sherrodsville for 35 years and retired from the barber trade in 2013. His barbershop was often a place customers would gather, socialize and hear a few tall tales. Merle was a 1950 graduate of the former Perrysville High School, a U.S. Navy veteran and Lutheran by faith. He loved to play Bluegrass music on his mandolin and bass fiddle and performed with the former Carroll County Grass bluegrass band. He was a devoted coon hunter and operated a farm at his Perrysville area residence. He was a devoted husband to his late wife Libby and a caring father and grandfather who will be missed by his family and friends. 

He is survived by a son, Brian (Suzanne) Walters of North Canton; a daughter, Brenda M. Leggett of Scio (Perrysville); his four grandchildren, Brock Felgenhauer of Centerville, OH, Kelly Walters of Charlotte, NC, Kevin Walters of Canton, and Casey Walters of Pearl Harbor, HI:  and a great-grandson, Braeden Felgenhauer of Centerville.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Rev. Andy Riggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Perrysville Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of services in the funeral home. To leave an online condolence message, visit 

www.baxtergardner.com.