Merle E. VanMarter

We are saddened to announce the passing of our father Merle E. VanMarter. Merle passed on Sunday, September 6, 2026, and is joined again with his beloved wife of 64+ years, Dianne who passed July 14, 2026. Merle was born February 20, 1940, to Merle D and Mary (Mc Guire) VanMarter. Merle was the first born of three children, his brother Robert was the second and his sister Cheryl the baby. Merle was 86 years old at the time of his passing. The one word that best described him is “protector”. Merle had an immense devotion to our country and to protect the people of this great country. A year after high school Merle Joined the US Army and was trained in the deployment of both Minute Man Missiles and the Hercules Missile systems. He finished his service in the Army stationed at the Belle Isle Missile base location on Belle Isle (Detroit, Mi.) It was during that time that he met the love of his live Dianne (Stearla), soon to be Dianne VanMarter. Upon leaving the Army Merle joined the Detroit Police Department where he worked for 31 years. He finished his DPD career as an Investigator in the Crimes against Persons Division at DPD’s Headquarters. During his 31 years of service he was awarded numerous commendations. He was a Police Officer during some of the most turbulent times in America. His career spanned the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Upon retiring form DPD Merle work at Macomb Community College as campus Police. To become campus police vs public safety Merle was Deputized in Macomb County. Merle worked at the college for nearly 12 years and retired again. For the next 10+ years Merle worked for a security company where he would be stationed at various retail locations. He could never stop being the Protector. Merle along with his wife Dianne were avid supporters of youth organizations. They were the adult leaders for the youth group at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Detroit for many years. Merle was a Master Mason at Composite Lodge, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. He was a member of the Advisory Board for Acacia Chapter Order of DeMolay in Grosse Pointe Woods. Merle is survived by his two children: his son, William VanMarter (Debbie), his daughter, Lisa (VanMarter) Gillam, his three grandchildren: Jenna (VanMarter) Yingling, Garrette W. VanMarter, and Shelby (Gillam) Duval. Merle is also survived by his sister Cheryl (VanMarter) Bucchi, his sister in-law Rosalee (wife of Robert) VanMarter, and Merle’s stepsister Gail (Arnold) Nemic as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on September 26, 2026 at 11:00am at Faith Macomb Church located at 56370 Fairchild Rd. Macomb, MI 48042. The memorial visitation will begin at 10:00am In lieu of flowers you may send donations to Faith Macomb Church. Visit their website for more information Inurnment will be held on Monday - September 28, 2026 at 1:30pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home – 1634 Lapeer Ave., Port Huron. View obituary and share memories at jowetfuneralhome.com

Merle E. VanMarter

February 22, 1940 - September 6, 2026