Merlen Clifton Levering

The Reverend Merlen Clifton Levering, age 69, passed away on December 7, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist church, the Southern New England Conference, in 1967. While in New England, he served Graniteville, Pittsfield, and Middleboro United Methodist churches. He transferred to the East Ohio Conference in 1973 to be close to his family. There he served at Kinsman, Lorain, Conneaut, and finally Church of the Good Shepherd in Akron. After retirement he became active at First United Methodist of Akron. He was born on December 15, 1942, to Elizabeth Lela (Cave) and Lyndon Matthew Levering in Mt. Vernon, Ohio where he grew up attending Gay Street UMC and became an Eagle Scout through the BSA. Merlen attended Baldin Wallace College where he studied Philosophy and History before completing his Masters in Theology at Boston University. He was known for energy and dedication to his parish and communities wherever he served. After retiring from the East Ohio Conference in 2005,Merlen remained an active community member. In 2005 he went back to work as an adjunct professor in Akron University's School of Developmental Programs. He continued to contribute to community programs such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, Boston University Library, Haven of Rest, Baldwin Wallace College and the Tuesday Lunch Program at First United Methodist of Akron. He was an avid reader and historian, never passing a used bookstore, a Shaker Village or historical site without stopping, "just to pop in." His love of books is legendary and his personal library was a source of great pride. He is survived by his wife Barbara of Akron;a daughter Beth (Joe); sons Stephen (Stephanie), and Shane (Kristen); three granddaughters, Crystal (Gary), Amber, Delainey, and a pack of dogs in which he found great joy. It is impossible to count the lives he touched through his living ministry. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 263 East Mill Street, Akron, on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 7pm. Refreshments will be available afterwards. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to one of the following in honor of his generous spirit. Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44308; The Tuesday Luncheon, First United Methodist Church, 263 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308; Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017; Boston University School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Services of Kinsman, Ohio handled the services with an online guestbook at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Coshocton Cemetery

Coshocton OH

Service

Wednesday, December 12 2012
7:00 PM

First United Methodist Church of Akron

Akron OH