Merle Dean Hill, 76, of Alma, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at home. Merle was a member of First Baptist Church of Alma, an active member of the Alma School Board, and the owner of Hill’s Construction Company for 35 years. After retiring, he decided to open Merle’s Steakhouse in Alma. He loved cooking and often helped out in the First Baptist Church kitchen. In his younger years he played semi-pro football for the Arkansas Diamonds. Above all, he loved his family. One of his favorite things in life was being with his children and grandchildren, and watching them grow up playing sports. Merle was born December 1, 1946 in Wichita, Kansas to the late Russell and Mary (Olmstead) Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mary Hill, and a brother, Ritchie Hill.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, May 19, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Alma, Arkansas with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Alma, Arkansas. The family will visit with friends from 6:00 till 8: 00 PM, Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Allen, Jerry Thomas, Clovis Satterfield, Dale Osborne, Chuck Lambert, Randy Arnold, Phil Harris, and Tracy McCormick.

Merle is survived by his wife of 54 years, Glenna (O’Neal) Hill of the home; son, Todd Hill and his wife Clara of Van Buren, AR; daughter, Telissa Montgomery and her husband Clint of Mena, AR; grandchildren, Haley Montgomery, Max Montgomery, Reese Montgomery, Jeremy Proctor, Jordan Proctor; great-grandchild, Beau Ryan; brothers, Harold Hill, Doug Hill; and sister, Marla Allen.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alma First Baptist Children and Youth Camp Scholarships P.O. Box 819 Alma, AR 72921.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com