Darrell R. Merkel, 83, of Whitehall, formerly of Catasauqua, died April 2, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital-Sacred Heart, Allentown. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Correll) Merkel for 63 years.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Earl C. Merkel and Dorothy E. (Kinkaid) Nuss.

He honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during a peacetime era. He served 26 years combined active and reserve duty.

He was a material technician for Mack Trucks Inc., Macungie, for 27 years, retiring in 2000. Earlier, he worked as an industrial electrician for the former Giant Portland Cement Company, Egypt.

He was a member of Union United Church of Christ, Neffs.

He was a member of Porter Lodge 284, F&AM, Catasauqua; Mack Retirees; and Fullerton Fire Company. He was a three-term president of the former Catasauqua Area Lions Club and was a charter member of the National World War II Memorial. He volunteered for the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, David K. and his wife Diane of Allentown and Michelle A. and her husband Eric Brown of Brevard, N.C.; a brother, Donald O. of Catasauqua; two granddaughters, Angela and Ashley; a grandson, Spencer; and a great-granddaughter, Gianna.

He was predeceased by a brother, Charles E.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc.