Merle “Max” Lee Dugan, a resident of Fairpoint, Ohio, and a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving a community filled with cherished memories of his life. Born December 27, 1947, Max, as he was affectionately known, was 78 years old.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Harold E. Dugan and Marie F. (Adams) Dugan of Wheeling, WV, as well as his brother, Gene G. Dugan, of Imperial, MO.

After graduating from Wheeling High School in 1966, he worked as a welder at Wheeling Steel Corrugated before his draft into the U.S. Army in 1967. He proudly served as a member of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 765th Transportation Battalion. His service took him to Vung Tau, Vietnam in January 1968, where he supported logistics and critical transportation and supply operations until his return home in March 1970.

Upon his return, he resumed working at Wheeling Steel Corrugated/Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, dedicating many decades of service across multiple locations. Even in his retirement, he kept busy as a part-time delivery driver for Super Mail, Inc.

Merle leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Margaret I. Dugan, the love of his life, his children, Kristine Dugan (Paula), and Ryanne Dugan (Felix), and stepchildren, Michael Michniak, Toby Michniak, and Donna Thoburn (Todd), and his grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Libby, Hannah, and Brenden, as well as many cherished nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family members, and dear friends. Among those who held a special place in his life was his lifelong friend and brother from another mother, Tim Wrixon.

Known for his infectious laughter and unmatched sense of humor, Merle was a source of joy for many. His sense of humor and quick wit, paired with a knack for storytelling, and ability to make others laugh brightened any room he walked into. Remarkably handy, he could fix, build, or figure out just about anything. Often, he was the person others turned to when something needed repaired or when a problem needed to be solved. A dedicated member of the Fairpoint Polish Club for 35 years, he later served as a trustee and continued to volunteer his time in retirement. Though a proud Irish American rather than of Polish heritage, he was embraced as one of their own.

He had a passion for sports spanning his lifetime. He enjoyed bowling from a young age, later trading in his bowling shoes for darts. He enthusiastically coached his daughter’s softball team in the 1980s and remained an ardent supporter of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and WVU college football. When his daughter attended OSU, he became a Buckeye fan, too.

He also had a deep love for animals and showed kindness to them throughout his life. His granddogs will miss him very much.

Merle “Max” Lee Dugan will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to know him. His sense of humor, loyalty, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. As Max would say, he is now “finer than frog hair.” Siné!

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Merle’s memory to Vietnam Veterans of America or Valley Hospice Liza’s Place Care Center South, Wheeling, WV.