Obituary of Lawrence E Merkle Gasport: Lawrence “Larry” Merkle, 81, passed away on June 14, 2019. Larry was born on March 19, 1938. He was born in Batavia, NY to the late Elton and Evelyn (Greene) Merkle. Larry was the manager of the Lockport branch store for Strate Welding where he retired in 2009. Larry loved chatting and helping local business men and farmers who visited the store. He enjoyed to read and watch old western movies. Larry was a life member of Terry’s Corners Fire Department and will be missed by many. He always had a smile for people and never complained. Larry was predeceased by his brothers Douglas and Sidney Merkle. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Marie, son, Chris (Marcy) Merkle of NC, his sister Belva Miller, and his brother Thomas Merkle. Family and friends are invited to attend Larry’s memorial service on Wednesday, June 19th at 1:30pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 4447 Central Ave. Gasport, NY 14067. In lieu of flowers donations are gratefully accepted for: Zion Lutheran Church, or to Terry’s Corners Fire Department 7801 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Gasport, NY 14067.