Merle L. Bryan, 78, of Muncie, Ind., and formerly of Fort Recovery, died Jan. 11, 2007, at Ball Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 21, 1928, in Jay County, Ind., to Eli and Myrtle Keller Bryan. His wife of 53 years, Jane Bolinger Bryan, survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Kelly N. (Cathy) and Lon D. (Angie), all of Muncie, Ind.; a sister, Ruth (Marvin) Mott, Fort Recovery, and nine grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Mitchell L.; a brother, William; and sisters, Clarice Ulmer, Doris Walls, Leola Reynolds and Glendolyn Huey.

He was employed for 37 years as an educator, 30 of those years as a superintendent. He was employed at Madison Jay County, Ind.; Eastside, Union City; Spartanburg; Mississnewa Valley; Monroe Central Schools and North Eastern Wayne. In retirement he worked for Bryan and Bryan, Attorneys at Law, Muncie, Ind. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a 1946 graduate of Fort Recovery High School and a 1950 graduate of Miami University, Oxford.

He was a member of the National Teacher's Association, Indiana School Superintendent Association, Scottish Rite of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Free & Accepted Masons Lodge 539, Fort Recovery.

Services are 10 a.m. Monday at Thornburg Memorial Chapel, Parker City, Ind., the Revs. Robert Dungan and John D. Malzaln officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to Fort Recovery Methodist Church.