Merlin Richard Schmucker Jr

Merlin Richard Schmucker Jr., 82, of Louisville, OH, passed away May 10, 2025, following heart complications. He was born April 26, 1943, to Merlin and Barbara (Katich) Schmucker Sr. in Harrisburg, OH, and was the oldest of 14 children. Known by family and friends as Junior or JR, he graduated from Louisville Senior High in 1961, and he married Wanda (Millhone) Schmucker on September 21, 1963, and they later renewed their vows on June 26, 1999.

He worked as a lift truck mechanic for the Morrison Company and at Great Lakes Power Lift, before finishing his career as a fire truck mechanic with E-ONE. He retired after 29 years of service as a volunteer fireman with the Louisville Fire Department, where he had achieved the rank of Captain.

JR was a Christ follower and member of Christ Church of Louisville. He went on several missions’ trips with the church to help rehab houses after natural disasters and also volunteered with the Pedaling Parsons, an annual bike tour that sought to raise money for missions’ trips. His faith was an important part of his life, and he called Jesus “his Savior and Sin Forgiver.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Barbara Schmucker Sr.; his wife, Wanda (Millhone) Schmucker; and two brothers, Bernard Schmucker and Ronald Schmucker. He is survived by four brothers and seven sisters; his three children, David (fiancé Lynette Alex) Schmucker of Magnolia, Steven (Reynisa) Schmucker of Louisville, and Debbie (Brian) Briggs of Uniontown; grandchildren Tess (Frances) Schmucker, Samantha (Jake) Miller, Kayyri (Josh) Fey, Kiaza Valencia, Gage (Caylin) Briggs, and Logan Briggs; a great-granddaughter, Kaia Fey; and four brothers and seven sisters.

He shared the love of Christ with those in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed, but we take comfort in the fact that he is with his Savior.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Funeral services will be 11am Wednesday morning at Stier-Israel funeral Home in Louisville with Pastor Mike Grant officiating. Calling hours will be 5-7pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. A Stark County Firefighter Last Alarm Service will be held at 7pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. JR will be laid to rest, beside his wife, in Union Cemetery, Louisville, OH. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church of Louisville, 600 East Gorgas St, Louisville, OH 44641. 

                                    Stier-Israel Funeral Home  330-875-1414

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