Jack L. Merklein, Life Member of Lower Somerset EMS

Jack L. Merklein, Major (US Army, Ret.), 89, of Crisfield, died Tuesday, December 17, 2020 at Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living.

Born in Philadelphia January 9, 1931, and raised in Crisfield, he was a son of the late Mary Pruitt Daugherty and Maurice Weldon Daugherty. His wife of 64 years, Rita, preceded him in death June 5, 2017.

As a young man he was quite the athlete, playing numerous sports. He was highly skilled as a boxer and earned the nickname “The Little Giant.” He was an avid golfer and also loved playing in the Crisfield softball league. Although right-handed, he batted and golfed as a lefty.

He met his wife Rita on arranged date. On a double date a few weeks later, the other couple said “you guys argue so much you should just get married.” So they did and argued for 64 years!

Jack served in the US Army for 20+ years. He went to Officer Candidate School as a sergeant, received his commission, and ultimately retired in 1971 as a Major. He served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While stationed in Alaska, his company was deployed to downtown Anchorage to guard the area after the Alaskan earthquake destroyed most of the city.

After retiring from the Army, he did his student teaching at Crisfield High School and taught there as well as at Woodson and Washington High in Princess Anne where he later was vice-principal. He taught history and loved American history, especially the Civil War. He retired from the school system in 1988.

Active in his community, he was chairman of the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair for 2 years, and served as a volunteer EMT for Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad in Crisfield for over 20 years of which he was very proud. He had over 2000 ambulance runs during his time there and served as president from 1988-1989.

During the summers, he worked for Tangier Island Cruises and couldn’t wait for the next tour to start so he could get back on one of the boats. He loved watching his beloved Orioles, Ravens, and Capitals and it didn’t matter if they were reruns from years past, he’d watch the game as if it was live.

He is survived by his his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Betsy Merklein of Manassas, VA; and brother Maurice W. Daugherty, Jr. and his wife, Diane, and their 3 daughters, Katie, Jennifer, and Beth.

His twin brother Gene passed away in 2002; his son Gene Jr. lives in North Carolina with his wife Elizabeth.