Merle joined the Army where he spent two years in Germany as a surveyor. After the Army, Merle moved to Seattle, WA where he worked for Boeing and attended the University of Washington.

Merle was hired as an accountant by Price Waterhouse. He moved to California in 1971 and was admitted to a partnership in 1974.

In 1975, he moved to Phoenix, AZ where he would finish his accounting career, retiring in 1992. As an audit and MNC partner. Merle specialized in mining, forest products, retail and media.

Merle served as a member of the Association of Corporate Growth, ASU Professional Advisory Board, and Camelback Behavioral Health Charitable Trust.

He was Chairman of the Board of the Banner Health Foundation and Chairman of the LPGA Samaritan Turquoise Golf Classic.

Merle is survived by his wife, Marge; three children; and seven grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter.