Merle Sebald

Merle L. Sebald died peacefully at his Eatonton home on June 12, 2025, 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, Daniel Sebald (Brenda) of Ruckersville, Va, grandpa to two granddaughters Samanatha (Zach) Settlage of Ruckersville. VA, and Leann Sebald, of Boston, MA, and two great grandchildren, Laelia and Tristen Settlage of Ruckersville, VA. Merle is survived by many additional family members and also survived by 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 in the Moultrie Georgia Lodge 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 became the third Exalted Ruler of his Lodge in 1985-1986, State Chairman for National Foundation Certificates in 1987-1988, SWC District Vice President 1988-89, SW District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1990-1991. Merle served four terms on the Florida Elks Association Board of Directors; he served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Elks Children’s Hospital from 1994-1997 with the last 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 5 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, one year on the Florida Elks Charities Board of Directors and has served as co-leader of the SW District 1998-1999, and as leader of the SEC District 1998-2006. Additionally, Merle served on many Committees & 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 12 years as a Director, 4 years as Vice President, and 3 years as President. 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 7 Yacht clubs, serving many years on the Board of Directors with 3 terms as Commodore. His primary interest, however, was in youth activities. His experience includes Junior Achievement Coordinator, Chairman of a Cub Scout Pack, 7 years as a Little League Manager, 5 years as a Pop Warner Coach and 2 years as a Football Junior League Coach. Merle requested no memorial service his following his death, believing that the life you lead and the service you give to others is your best Memorial service.

Merle Sebald

August 28, 1935 - June 12, 2025