Merle Wilging

Merle Philip Wilging met his Heavenly Father face-to-face at his Baton Rouge home on April 25th, 2017 at the age of 96 with his family at his side. His legacy is one of a man purposeful, and intent on telling everyone he met about the saving grace of a loving God.

He was a delightful, energetic man, an entrepreneur, who was a Charter Board Member of the Mansfield, OH, Christian School, an industrial engineer at Westinghouse and Therm-O-Disc of Mansfield, OH, and founder of several other successful businesses in Mansfield. He was a proud and patriotic veteran of the United States Air Force.

A native of Mansfield, Ohio, Merle moved to Baton Rouge in 1976 where he was founder and President of Sonitrol Security Systems. He was also a charter member of the National Bank of Commerce in Baton Rouge, a faithful member of Jefferson Baptist Church, and an avid fan of LSU Tiger football and basketball.

He is preceded in his journey into heaven by his beloved parents, Philip and Catherine Wilging of Mansfield, OH; his brothers, Harold Wilging and Stanley Wilging, of Mansfield, OH; and his sisters, Lillian Bolesky, Eleanor Korday, and Catherine Laser. Surviving are his sister Adaline Schlegel of Mansfield, and brothers, Robert Wilging of Moreno Valley, California, and Bruce Wilging of Mansfield.

Merle is survived by his lovely wife of 72 years, Alice Dayle McCamman Wilging, his loyal companion and avid supporter. He is also survived by his three daughters, Tecca Wilging Auxt and spouse Erik of Baton Rouge, Patricia Wilging Buckalew and spouse Jim of Geneva, IL, Susan Wilging Hayes and husband Arnett of Baton Rouge, and son Mark Wilging and spouse Karen of Virginia Beach, VA.

He is graciously remembered by his grandchildren, Sherrod and Gwen Auxt of Biloxi, MS, Erin and John Robert Crain of Baton Rouge, Flynn and Britny Maggio Auxt of Baton Rouge, Philip Buckalew and spouse Irene of Chesterfield, MO, Meryl Buckalew Burke and spouse Erik of Reno, NV, Sasha Hayes of Baton Rouge, Tori Hayes LeBlanc and spouse Reynolds of Baton Rouge, and Haley and Grant Wilging of Virginia Beach.

Papa, as he was so lovingly called by his family, left memories galore for his great grandchildren, Jordan Auxt and his spouse, Taylor Gamble Auxt, Alexis Auxt, Peyton and Camryn Auxt, Erikson Auxt, Myles Auxt, Griffin Auxt, Palmer Crain, A.J. Buckalew, Alex Buckalew, Catherine Buckalew, McCamman Burke, and Ellie Preston.

So respected and beloved were Merle and Dayle that, upon their move to Baton Rouge from Ohio in 1976, all four of their adult children followed.

Papa was a positive and joyful man who helped many over his career with employment and career starts of their own. He was the consummate businessman, yet the passions of his life were his loving and devoted wife, Dayle, and his desire that every person he met would have an opportunity to know the undeniable Grace of a compassionate and loving Savior, the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Papa's crowning joy in his life was based on the promise from the Bible, 3 John, chapter 1 and verse 4 which reads as follows: "I have no greater joy in life than to know that my children walk in the TRUTH" (of God's Word).

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral Service will be at Resthaven Funeral Home on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, April 28, 2017
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Service

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, April 29, 2017
10:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816