Merl Henry Hitzel, a loving husband & father, born November 24,1936, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2021 in his home with his wife of 63 years. He grew up in Ione, WA and graduated in 1956. Merl excelled in sports and received a full football scholarship with Washington State University.  He played for WSU for 4 years then graduated with a BS in Physical Education.  He married Lois Reynolds August 1, 1958. Lois was also an Ione graduate, they are true soul mates.  After graduating college he pursued a career with the State of WA in the Dept. of Corrections.  He then took a leave of absence to pursue his dream of owning his own business.  Merl and Lois along with their 3 children owned and operated the Smokehouse BBQ in Hayden, Idaho for 3 years.  Merl's passion for working with children, led him to WA Child Protective Services (CPS) where he was awarded Regional Employee of the Year for 2 years.  Merl retired from the state in 1997 and moved with Lois to Newport, WA.  Merl loved spending his time with his children and grandsons on their property on Pend Oreille River.  He is remembered for his his warm, loving heart, kind soul and witty sense of humor.   He is preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Hitzel and Father Marion Hitzel.  He leaves behind his loving wife, Lois Hitzel; daughter Roni Anderson ( son-in-law Jim), and Traci Dunn; son Joe Hitzel, and two grandsons Eric Anderson and Riley Dunn; Brother in law Chuck (Shorty) Reynolds ( and his wife Kathi); Aunt Helen Haney and numerous cousins and friends.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Vanessa Behan Cris is Nursery: https://www. vanessabehan.org/giving- options/ or The American Heart Association: https://www. heart.org/en