It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved father, Merhle Eugene Dutrow, 87, of Damascus, Maryland. He was the husband of Claudia Anne Dutrow. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. 

Merhle was born to Mertlin and Linda Dutrow in Damascus, MD on July 13th, 1937. He was their only child. Merhle was a graduate of Damascus High School. He went on to farming and took over his family’s business at the DC Farmer’s Market selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.

Merhle had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting. Merhle fished for catfish, trout, carp, and deep-sea fish for marlin, black drum, shark, and tuna and was in the fishing hall of fame. Merhle hunted bears in Canada and elk, mule deer, and coyotes in Colorado. He loved to travel with his family to Disney World and Ocean City each year. Merhle visiting 48 states and several foreign countries.

Merhle met his wife, Claudia while he was on a hunting trip in Pennsylvania. They were married in Ringtown, PA, and honeymooned in Hawaii. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage together.

Merhle and Claudia lived on Happy Hollow Farm in Damascus, MD where they raised their family. Merhle had a green thumb and in-dept knowledge of farming, always growing a large garden, planted various trees and having an abundance of beautiful flowers around the home.

Merhle and Claudia raised five children. Daughter Jean Ann and husband George Herndon of Damascus, MD with grandchildren Jamie, George, and Kelly. Son Edward Micheal and wife Brenda Lupcho of Damascus, MD with grandchildren Amy and Edward Jr. Daughter Laura Ann and husband Rick McDonald of Sykesville, MD with grandchildren Ashley, Christopher, Brandon, and Cameron. Daughter Merle Anne Clements and partner John O’Meara of Mt. Airy, MD with grandchildren Erik and Danielle Clements. Son Rick Eugene (deceased) and wife Beth Dutrow of Stephens City, VA with grandchildren Crissie, Mark, and Phillip. He also enjoyed 13 great-grandchildren.

He was a member of Mountain View Church in Purdum, MD, loyal order of the Moose Club, the national rifle association, associate member of fraternal order of police, member of Haywood Wisconsin fishing hall of fame, the Damascus travel club, lifetime member of North American hunter, game warden troop 77 Flintstone, MD, heart of Maryland motorcycle club and AARP. Merhle was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held at the Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD on Wednesday, June 4th from 6-8 pm.

Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 5th at 10:00 am followed by interment at the Mountain View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren George Herndon Jr, Edward Lupcho Jr, Chris Lemley, Brandon Lemley, Erik Clements, and Nate Tubbs.

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com