Merle James Malek

Memorial service for Merle James Malek will be 11 a.m., Wed., April 15, at the House of Prayer Josh Brown Activity Center.

Merle passed away at his home Thurs., April 9, 2015, at the age of 69.

The son of Joseph Martin Malek and Ethel Bertha (Sterns) Malek was born Feb. 15, 1946, in Corry, PA. Merle grew up in Corry where he was one of the top wrestlers on the high school wrestling team. He worked on a local farm and dairy, before moving to California where he lived for a couple of years. In 1969, he drove to Oklahoma on a Norton motorcycle. He went to work for Lockheed in Wichita, while living in Oklahoma. He then lived in Alaska where he worked on the Alaska pipleline before making his home back in Oklahoma. He met Cheryl Radeen Wilson on a blind date. They were married in 1984 in Claremore. Merle traveled extensively around the world. He retired from Dieco Manufacturing, and then went to work for DMI, Int. as a field service consultant. Merle enjoyed tinkering and inventing, he had patents with oil industry equipment. He loved being outdoors camping, fishing, and boating at the lake; and spending time with his family. He never met a stranger, and loved visiting with people every where he went.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: JoAnn Smith, Robert "Bob" Malek, Richard Malek, Carl Malek, and Joseph Malek.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl of the home; children: Boyd Malek of Seattle, WA, Alicia Tanyan of Tulsa, Charles Sager and wife, Mindy of Chelsea, Scott Malek and wife, Denise of Corry, PA, Lindy Sager and wife, Jenny of Edmond, Julie Malek Aultman of Claremore, and Johnny Sager and wife, Johnna of Chelsea; siblings: Barbara Gerhardt of Catoosa, Lucille Whitely and husband, Jack of Corry, PA, Ed "Bill" Malek and wife, Donna of Pittsfield, PA, Ed "Hank" Malek and wife, Carla of Columbus, OH, Margaret Shillinglaw of Florida, and Frank Malek and wife, Linda of Florida; 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.