Paul M. Merkle, 88, of New Tripoli, died Aug. 2, 2012, in Cedarbrook, South Whitehall Township.

He was the widower of Arlene A. (Zettlemoyer) Merkle.

Born in Lehigh County, he was the son of the late Milton and Lillian (Kocher) Merkle.

He and his wife worked on her father's dairy farm in Mertztown for many years, before owning their own farm in New Tripoli.

He was a milk truck driver for Carl Loch for many years and also was a truck driver for Peter's Brothers Meat Market, Lenhartsville, and for Swan Oil.

He was a member of Christ's Church at Lowhill, New Tripoli.

His survivors include a son, Robert P. of Allentown, daughter, Barbara A., wife of Harlan R. Wessner, with whom he resided, brother Kenneth M. of Slatington; sister, Marie Boyer of Mertztown; grandchildren, Tim and Stephen Wessner, Cheryl Bond, Bonnie Gonzalez, Robert Merkle Jr. and Robin Berger, 10 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Harold, and a sister Florence Holben.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to the church, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, New Tripoli, PA 18066.

Condolences may be offered to the family at KellerFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements were by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., New Tripoli.