Longtime Aberdeen resident Merle John (Bucky) Sturm, 84, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Merle was born June 5, 1933, in Aberdeen, Wash., to George and Lovella (Rice) Sturm.

Merle was raised in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1953. Following high school he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956.

On May 5, 1956, Merle married Pat Harrison in Monterey, Calif. She survives him at the family home.

He had worked for Major Line Products in Hoquiam and then worked for Grays Harbor Paper from 1974 to 1992.

Merle was a member of the Aberdeen Elks for 15 years and a member of the Eagles for 50 years. He loved to watch football; his favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings. Merle shared his love for travel and camping with Pat; traveling to all 50 states throughout their marriage. Merle also loved putting together puzzles and collected owls.

In addition to his loving wife Pat, he is also survived by his son Richard (Karla) Sturm of Hoquiam; sisters Barbara Peters of Aberdeen and Sharon Eager of Cosmopolis; six grandchildren Ryan, Kayla (Kevin), and Randy (Sonya) Sturm all of Aberdeen, Rees Sturm of Hoquiam, Theresa Sturm of Absecon, N.J., and Johnathan Sturm of Olympia; three great-grandchildren Payton, Liliana and Kasen; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Angel.

Merle was preceded in death by his son Paul Sturm, two brothers Jack and Ron Sturm.

Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m., on Friday, May 4, in the chapel at Harrison Family Mortuary, 311 W. Market St. in Aberdeen. A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Ocean Shores Eagles.

Memorials are suggested to Seattle Children’s Hospital, M/S S-200, PO Box 5371 Seattle, WA 98145-5005.

To sign the online guestbook or to leaves a condolence for the family please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.