Merle E. Pheasant, Jr.

Merle, prior to having open heart surgery, in 2022, wrote the following remembrance:

"Merle E. Pheasant, Jr., age 76, resident of Punta Gorda, Florida, and formerly, Toledo, Ohio, passed away as a result of_______. He was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, to mother, Jean S. Pheasant and father, Merle E. Pheasant. He grew up from age three in Akron, Ohio and graduated from the University of Akron and the University of Akron, College of Law. While attending college, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. He was a former member of the Akron and Toledo Bar Associations, the Ohio State Bar and Federal Bar Associations. He began his business career with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in Cologne Germany and Akron, Ohio, and thereafter, taught fifth grade with Medina County School System while attending law school. He began his legal career with the United States Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. and thereafter in Toledo, Ohio.

Following federal service, his career led to investment banking and financial consulting. He was involved with the construction and development of nursing homes and retirement centers in the United States along with serving as founder, officer and director of numerous corporations, including Liberty Airlines. He served for many years as general counsel to the International Racing Press Association.

Among his many activities were flying, boating and racing. His favorite interest since Goodyear days was Formula One Grand Prix racing, where in the 1970's, he was involved in team ownership and participation. He was a world traveler, and his favorite destination was his home on Lake Geneva in Evian, France. One of his favorite memories was 1993 when he was inducted, by its founder, Bernard Cahier, into the Club Internationale des Antiques Pilotes des Grand Prix, in Villar, Switzerland. He knew and was involved with many people in the racing and automotive industry and enjoyed annual reunions with them at the Geneva International Auto Show.

Following his cremation, it was his desire that there be no service or memorials.”

The Merle that I had the privilege of knowing and loving over the last 21 years, led an extremely colorful life. He made friends across the world, always keeping in touch with them, via email or "snail mail," sending personal cards, notes and gifts. He was most generous and always willing to lend a helping hand. Merle loved to entertain and throw lavish dinner parties. He was an accomplished chef, self-taught by watching his favorite television chef, Jaques Pepin. He actually got to meet Chef Pepin onboard a ship while cruising the Adriatic.

Merle fought a long hard battle with heart disease, succumbing to cardiac and renal failures at age 79, on May 18, 2025. He is survived by his beloved Suzie (Susan Ello), whom he referred to as his "spousal equivalent" and “better half”. He also leaves behind his sister, Mayetta (Lee) Carlson; nieces Lisa Lyons and Wendy Carlson; as well as Lisa's children Russell, Amanda and Katie. Merle wishes to express his gratitude to his beloved cardiologist, Dr. Fadhil A. Hussein, who cared for him for 25 years. Tributes may be made to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Rest in peace my love, you fought hard for your life and you deserve peace and happiness.