MOWDER, Dr. Merwin Caldwell, "Papa", 85, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 30, 2010.

He was born in Alledonia, Ohio, on April 1, 1925, a son of the late David H. and Nada Caldwell Mowder.

Dr. Mowder practiced optometry for over 50 years in Bellaire, Ohio retiring in 2001. He was a graduate of Muskingum College and the Illinois College of Optometry. Merwin served in the U. S. Navy during World War II; was a 60 year member of Sunsbury Lodge #362 F. & A.M. in Beallsville; a member of Osiris Shrine in Wheeling; a Past Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International; and an active member of Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville where he was currently serving on the Church Council.

As a loving Christian father, grandfather and great grandfather, he enjoyed traveling, working in his yard, volunteering at the Food Pantry and watching his grandchildren in sports.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Miriam Louise.

Surviving are his children, Diana Shanks, Lori (Don) Cook, Lisa (Mike) Kelly, and Doug Mowder all of St. Clairsville, and David (Cora) Mowder of Westerville, Ohio; his twin sister, Miriam (Tom) Stubbs of Alledonia; his grandchildren, Chris (Heidi) Mowder, Nick Shanks, Zac (Alyssa) Pata, Danielle (Tony) Holt, Sami Shanks, Kaz Pata, Logan Cook; and 5 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service to be held at 7:45 p.m. A visitation, at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville, will be held again on Monday from 10 a.m. until private services for family and close friends at 11 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Bradley Call officiating. Belmont County Council of American Legions will conduct full military honors following the service. Burial will follow in Powhatan Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thoburn United Methodist Church or the St. Clairsville Food Pantry.