Merle E. Hilts, age 72 of Weedsport, N.Y. passed away at his home Sunday. He had been in failing health. Merle was born in Dexter June 6, 1936; the son of Dewey and Florence Gould Hilts. He attended school at Dexter High School. Merle married June E. Adams in 1957 at Sacred Heart Church, Watertown. That marriage ended in divorce. He left Dexter and moved to the Rochester area where he worked as a machine operator for Gleason Works of Rochester for 27 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with family, sports and stockcars. Surviving is his mother Florence Hilts of Wolcott,N.Y. He has six children; Nancy Halstead of Florida, Jeffrey Hilts of Florida, Barbara Hilts of Weedsport, Michael Hilts of Naples, N.Y. Thomas Hilts of Florida, and Mrs. Frank Lori-Beth DeJohn of Florida. He also has 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, nieces, nephews and a sister Lois Fowler of Wolcott. A brother Paul Hilts predeceased him. Funeral services will be held Saturday 2:00 P.M. at Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter with Rev. Patti Walz , pastor of Dexter United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Donations may be made to American Heart Assoc. Condolences may be made to Barbara Hilts at 315-626-2034.