Merle L. Sebald died peacefully at his Eatonton home on June 12 at the age of 89.
Merle was born in Santa Monica, California, to the late Merle L Downard and Cora J. Huermann Sebald on August 28, 1935.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Sebald; two sons, David Sebald (Patty) of Morgan Hill, CA, and Daniel Sebald (Brenda) of Ruckersville, VA; and grandfather to two granddaughters, Samantha (Zach) Settlage of Ruckersville. VA, and Leann Sebald, of Boston, MA, and two great-grandchildren, Laelia and Tristen Settlage of Ruckersville, VA.
Many additional family members survived Merle, and also survived with his very special pet, Puff.
Merle served in the United States Army and Air National Guard. He retired from GTE World Headquarters (now Verizon) in 1984. Merle was always active in his community during his professional life & his retirement years.
Merle has been an Elk for 52 years. He was initiated at the lodge in Moultrie, Georgia, in 1973, and upon his retirement from GTE, he became a charter member of the South Hillsborough Lodge in 1983. His Lodge granted him an Honorary Life Membership in 2010. He has been a member of the Lake Oconee Lodge since 2016 and has volunteered to serve on the Memory Lane, Scholarship, and Veterans Committees.
In Florida, he served as the third Exalted Ruler of his Lodge from 1985 to 1986, State Chairman for National Foundation Certificates from 1987 to 1988, SWC District Vice President from 1988 to 1989, and SW District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler from 1990 to 1991. Merle served four terms on the Florida Elks Association Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Elks Children’s Hospital from 1994 to 1997, with his final year as its President.
Merle served as State Chaplain 1993-1994 and was appointed Grand Lodge Special Representative 1993-1998. He served as Vice President at Large and President of the Florida State Elks Association. Merle served five years on the Florida Elks Youth Camp Board of Directors as an At-Large member. He served six years on the Florida Elks Properties Board of Directors, with the last two years as its President.
Merle served five years on the Grand Lodge Government Relations Committee, with the last two years as its Chairman. He served one year on the Grand Lodge Membership Committee and one year on the Florida Elks Charities Board of Directors. Additionally, he co-led the SW District from 1998 to 1999 and led the SEC District from 1998 to 2006.
Additionally, Merle served on numerous committees and boards in California, North Carolina, and in Georgia. Merle was inducted as an Admiral in the Georgia Navy to honor his untiring community service while working and living in Georgia.
Merle was a 33-year member of Rotary International. During this time, he served as Director for 12 years, Vice President for four years, and President for 3 years. During his last year as President, he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Most recently, Merle has served on the Board of Directors for the Crooked Creek Community Association. He loved helping his community as long as he was physically able.
Merle was always interested in speed, and as a young man, he raced both cars and boats at various state and national levels. He has been a member of seven yacht clubs, serving for many years on the Board of Directors, with three terms as Commodore.
His primary interest, however, was in youth activities. His experience includes serving as a Junior Achievement Coordinator, Chairman of a Cub Scout Pack, 7 years as a Little League Manager, 5 years as a Pop Warner Coach, and two years as a junior league football coach.
Merle requested no memorial service following his death, believing that the life you lead and the service you give to others is your best Memorial service.