Merle S. Oder

Merle Stewart Oder, 95, joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Sunday, March 21, 2021.

Merle was born on October 21, 1925, in Columbus, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Marlin and Corrine Reid Stewart. Merle began her career path as a secretary at Fort Benning during World War II. She moved to Montezuma in 1965 where she worked for approximately 20 years for Dr. Carl Savage at the Riverside Sanatorium. Merle eventually returned to civil service on Robins Air Force Base where she retired as part of the Black Knights Refueling Wing at the age of 83. She put her faith in Christ Jesus and was a devoted member of New Richland Baptist Church in Jeffersonville. Merle will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, Randall O. Oder (Debbie) and Gary L. Oder (Jeanet); grandchildren, Will Oder (Jamie), Daniel Balkcom (Julie), and Susannah Oder; five great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members.

The graveside service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907, with Pastor Steve Smith officiating.