M. Merle Bouchat

M. Merle Bouchat, 88, of Natrona Heights, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 at his home. He was born September 9, 1927, in West Tarentum, a son of the late Lucien L. and Yvonne A. Dantheny Bouchat. Merle was a graduate of Har-Brack High School. He proudly served in the US Navy during WWII. For over 50 years Merle was the operator of Bouchat Buick GMC in Natrona Heights. He was a member of Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church, where he was on the Board of Elders, life member of the Natrona Heights VFW Post 894, life member of American Legion Post 48 in Natrona and a member at Oakmont Country Club. Merle served his local community on numerous boards. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, playing cards, was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at Oakmont Country Club. He is survived by his children, Barbara Younghans, of Safety Harbor, Florida, Melvin (Donna) Bouchat, of Saxonburg and Jon Bouchat, of Natrona Heights; five grandchildren, Robert Younghans, Margie Younghans, Ronda (Vince) Rodi, Shelly Bouchat and Merle 'Nick' Bouchat; and by his three great grandchildren, Ashton Henry, Lola and Sylvia Rodi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margie J. Hess Bouchat on July 21, 2011; brother, Lucien R. 'Bob' Bouchat; and sister, Yvonne Johnson.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 1-4, 6-8 PM and on Thursday from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle St. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Funeral ceremonies will be held on Thursday at 11:30 AM in the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church with his pastor the Rev. R. Cameron Malcolm, IV, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Tarentum VFW. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Merle may be made to the Natrona Heights VFW Post 894, 894 Veterans Lane, Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065 or to the Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 533 Linden Avenue, New Kensington, Pa. 15068. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.