Merle Arthur Hosler was a man loved and admired by many.  He was the foundation of his family and we always knew he had our back.  He left this life on November 30, 2020 to join his beloved wife, Coleen, in heaven.

He was born at home on his parent's dairy near Logan, OK. on January 24, 1938.  Merle was the oldest child of Arthur and Evelyn (Winfough) Hosler.  He began school at a one room school house and graduated from high school at Laverne, OK.  Merle worked hard at the dairy and farming.  He grew to hate cold winters and getting up early.

Merle met Coleen McClung on a blind date.  He would drive his turquoise '57 Chevy from Laverne, OK. to Harmon, OK. to see her.  After a whirlwind romance, they tied the knot on June 15, 1958.  They began married life on his parent's dairy and Merle raised cattle and operated a caterpillar building dams.  They had two daughters, Debra and LaDonna.

Merle and Coleen decided to continue their education at NWOSU, Alva, OK. and they  obtained degrees in education.  They began their teaching careers at Waynoka, OK. then Lyndon, KS. before moving to Lewis, KS. where the family remained for many years.  Merle spent his summers continuing his education and became superintendent of Lewis Public Schools.

Merle loved taking his family camping at the lake where they enjoyed boating and water skiing and he always took his family on a wonderful vacation each summer.  He also liked to hunt pheasant, quail, turkey and deer.  He employed Debra and LaDonna as his 'bird dogs', flushing the quail out of the shinery.

The family moved to Kimberling City, MO. where they owned and operated a resort on Table Rock Lake. They moved back to Woodward, OK. where Merle successfully owned and operated multiple businesses. He also became the superintendent of Fort Supply Schools.

Merle loved spending his free time with his grandkids; rodeoing, hunting, fishing and at stock shows.  He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and educator who touched many lives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Evelyn Hosler and his wife, Coleen.  He will be missed by his daughters, Debra Bixler and LaDonna Neill and husband Lester. Merle's grandchildren, Alicia Cole, Lindsay Fry and husband Adam, Caleb Bixler, Sean Bixler, Nathan Neill and wife Alicia, Jeryn Neill and wife Brenna and Braden Neill.  Great grandchildren, Caitlyn, Madison, Brennan and Kodey Spicer, Kelton Fry, Abbie, Ethen, Jesah and Ryker Neill.  His brother, Marvin Hosler and wife Martha and his sister, Lavonda Rutman, other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Harmon Church of the Nazarene in care of Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859.