Merle I. Rhoads, 97, of Ickesburg died Thursday, January 11, 2018 at his home. He was born on March 26, 1920 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, and wasa son of the late Island Rhoads and Minnie (Scheibner) Rhoads.

Merle retired as a foreman from the former Carlisle Tire & Rubber Co. after 37 years of service. Merle served in the US Army during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and served in Luxemburg, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Merle was a member of the Newport American Legion Post 177 and the Ickesburg Sportsman's Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years; Mildred J. (Warner) Rhoads, one son, Floyd E. (wife, Marilyn) Rhoads of Georgia and two beloved cats. Merle was preceded in death by three brothers; Carroll, Sylvan and LeVance "Jim" Rhoads and two sisters; Violet Katzman and Alda Stoner.

Arrangements are being handled by Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, where the family will receive friends for a viewing from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2018. Funeral services will be at Ewing Brothers Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, with Rev. Lewis Leeper, Jr. officiating. Interment with military honors by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. www.Since1853.com.