Merle D. Luther, 83, of Gloucester Point, beloved husband for 62 years of Doris Luther, passed away March 3, 2017 peacefully, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Merle was a native of Salix, Pennsylvania. He was an airplane pilot since the age of 15 and was passionate about flying all his life. His flying career included adventures in crop-dusting, ferrying aircraft internationally, operating airports and serving as Airline Captain, and retiring from U.S. Airways Express in 1994. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church and the Faith Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Luther; daughters, Debbie Gallagher and husband Alan and Kathie Dorick and husband Scott; grandchildren, Jonathan Gallagher and Veronika Kiryanova, Jason Dorick, Andrew Gallagher and Laura and Erik Mills; great-grandson, Jakob Gallagher.

Funeral service conducted by the Rev. Deborah Marion and the Rev. Floyd Myers was at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Bethany United Methodist Church, Gloucester Point. Interment followed the service in the church cemetery. The family received friends prior to the service on Tuesday at the church beginning at 1:30.

In memory of Merle, the family desires contributions be given to Bethany United Methodist Church, Rise Against Hunger. P.O. Box 527, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Please visit www.hoggfh.com to share condolences and memories with the family.