COCHRANTON — Merle T. Bailey, 83, of 3373 State Highway 173, Cochranton, died Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center.

Born Nov. 17, 1924, in Rocky Grove, he was a son of Tracy and Phoebe Dolan Bailey. He married Ruth Courson Sept. 30, 1950.

He worked at the former American Viscose and Avtex for 35 years in the meter and blacksmithing departments.

He was a member of Cochranton Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed woodworking, playing horseshoes and bowling.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 57, years include a daughter, Diane Taylor and her husband, Gary, of Greenville; a son, Dan Bailey and his wife, Wendy, of Asheville, N.C.; four grandchildren, Tammy Irwin of Virginia, Amber DeVore of North Carolina, and Brandon and Logan Bailey of North Carolina; and two sisters, Ruby Copeland of Conneautville and Pearl Nogee of Conneaut Lake.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Bailey; and a sister, Betty Lesh.

Friends may call today at Dickson Family Funeral Home Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton, from 11 a.m. until time of the service.

The funeral is today at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. J. Harvey Boal of Cochranton Presbyterian Church officiating.

Interment will be in Cochranton Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be made to Cochranton Presbyterian Church, 109 Smith St., Cochranton, Pa. 16314.

Condolences can be e-mailed to dicksonfuneralhome@alltel.net.