Leonard left this earth for his heavenly home on October 13, 2007. Leonard was born on August 23, 1918 to Leonard George and Nora Melissa O’Neal Merker. He was one of the very few persons who had survived a ruptured aortic aneurysm; however, he did develop breathing problems during the years following the 1988 event.

Leonard and Marian Ruth Eckman were married in Carthage, Missouri on July 6, 1940 after a two-year courtship. They were married 67 years and had lived in the Tri-Cities since 1947.

Although he was drafted during World War II, Leonard was not accepted by the military for service due to irreversible health conditions. He spent most of the war years as a key ordinance plant employee.

Leonard worked for General Electric starting in 1947 and was principally involved in research and development. He later transferred to Battelle. While still employed by Battelle, he was involved in the design of the Exxon fuel plant facilities and later joined Exxon as Manager of Plutonium Operations.

While a member of West Side Protestant Church, he organized and led the church-sponsored scout troop committee for Troop 37. He was a former member of the Elks, Toastmasters, several professional societies and the Richland Salvation Army Advisory Committee. He was a member of Faith Assembly Christian Center in West Pasco for 30 years and had many dear friends there. He loved the Lord.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and daughter-in-law Claudia Merker. He is survived by his loving wife Marian, son Richard, daughter-in-law Jamie Merker, daughter Phyllis Hill and husband Bill, granddaughter Melissa Hill, sister Phyllis Scheurich, nieces and nephews, brother-in-law John Eckman and wife Robin and daughter Sarah.

A memorial service will be held at Einan’s Funeral Home on Saturday, October 27 at 2:00 PM. A reception will follow at the Apostolic Christian Church at 1749 Stevens Drive.

Contributions in Leonard’s honor can be made to The Salvation Army, 1219 Thayer Dr, Richland, WA 99354.