MUSCATINE - Merle V. Manley, 53, of 2414 W. Fulliam Ave, died suddenly Tuesday morning, Feb. 15, 2000, at Unity Hospital.

A Memorial Service was at the Zion Lutheran Church, 517 Sycamore St. Rev. Paul Ostrem officiated. A Military Service will be provided by the combined squads of the American Legion and the V.F.W. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at the church.

A Memorial Committal Service and burial will be held at the Soldier's Section in Greenwood Cemetery. Rev. Paul Ostrem of the Zion Lutheran Church will officiate.

Visitation will be at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Following his wishes, the body will be cremated following visitation.

Merle was born on Aug. 28, 1946, in Muscatine, the son of Elmer A. and Bernice C. Axel Manley. He married Sherry Alter on Jan. 18, 1969, in Muscatine.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, having served in the 11th Armored Calvary Division. He served in the Tet offensive in 1968 and was discharged in August of 1969.

He was a life long member of the Zion Lutheran Church; he also belonged to the Muscatine Education Association; the Iowa State Education Association; and the V.F.W.

He taught in the Muscatine Community School System since 1973 at Central Middle School. He loved many different sports and actively coached and played football, basketball, baseball, and track for many years. He enjoyed walking and hiking in the mountains.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Manley of Muscatine; a son, Michael Manley of Longmont, Colorado; a daughter, Michelle Manley of Muscatine; a granddaughter, Katie Manley of Muscatine; his mother, Bernice Manley of Muscatine; three brothers, Dave Manley and his wife, Leanne, of Muscatine, Gary Manley and his wife, Sue, of Erie, Colorado, and Richard Manley and his wife, Yenette, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and one sister, Joan Lane and her husband, Richard, of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer in 1994.