George H. Merritt, 83, of Russell, PA. passed away peacefully Friday, November 25, 2011 at Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA. as a result of an injury sustained in a fall. He was born September 13, 1928 in LeMars, Iowa, son of the late Percy R. Merritt and Blanche B. Harrison Merritt Haller. He resided in the Russell area since 1954. George was a friend to everyone he met, was generous to the church, his family and several charitable organizations. He enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast each morning and will be missed by many. George loved family dinners and celebrations and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great granddaughters. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a proud Veteran who shed a tear each time he stood for the National Anthem.
He was employed at GTE Sylvania as a setup man in the Weld Dept., retiring in 1991 after 41 years of service. He formerly served as treasurer for the International Association of Machinists Union for GTE Sylvania, Warren. He was a member of the Russell United Methodist Church, and the Good Samaritan Sunday School Class, serving as treasurer for many years and was a head usher for over 50 years and had served as a Trustee. George was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Coudersport Consistory, Past Master of the North Star Lodge #241, past Monarch of the Farah Grotto, past High Priest of the Occidental Royal Arch Chapter #235, member of the Warren Commandry #63 and former member of the Zem-Zem Shriners and the Warren County Shrine Club. He was a member of the American Legion Post #135, Warren Eagles Club, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and GTE Sylvania Quarter Century Club. He was a Life Member of over 50 years with the Russell Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a member of the Pine Grove Cemetery Association. He served as a Sergeant in the Iowa State Guard and the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Yeoman 3rd Class. After moving to Russell, h served as a local Civil Defense Police Volunteer.
He is survived by his son, Merle M. Merritt and wife, Susan of Warren, PA., three daughters, Kathy J. Russell and husband, Thom, Sharon R. Birtcil and husband, Gary all of Russell, PA., Diane P. Ervin and husband, Ron of Warren, PA., 1 brother – Merle Merritt and his wife, Elizabeth; and Sister in law, Patricia Merritt, all of Twentynine Palms, CA., half-sister Sallee Merritt Christensen of LeMars, Iowa, 2 grandchildren – Holly R. Strausser and husband, Paul of Russell, PA., Andrew T. Russell of Cranberry Twp., PA., 2 great granddaughters – Elizabeth (Ellie) and Megan Strausser of Russell, PA., all whom lovingly referred to their Grandpa as “Minka”, several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Bettie E. Schweitzer Merritt who died July 3, 1958, his 2nd wife, Shirley M. Houck Merritt who died February 15, 2007, his grandson – Damon Michael Johnson who died November 17, 1970, and a brother, Milton Merritt who died November 5, 2011.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. where a Masonic service will be conducted by members of the North Star Masonic Lodge at 6:45 P.M. A funeral and committal service will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the Russell United Methodist Church with Rev. David Heckman, Pastor, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted following the funeral service at the church by members of the U.S. Navy. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through the Russell United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 28, Russell, PA. 16345. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Merle, Kathy, Sharon and Diane,
Bev and I were very sad to hear about Uncle George’s passing and am sorry we will miss the viewing and funeral as we have long standing plans to be in NYC Saturday.
I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle George that will stay with me forever. Bev and I both fully understand what you are going thru and know God will give you the strength to get thru the next few days and weeks.
I’m glad we were able to see Uncle George during our visit last year.
Alan
To George’s family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m not sure if you remember me, but as a young boy I traveled with George’s father to Pennsylvania. One of the most memorable trips of my life, especially going to Niagra Falls. Whenever Percy’s boys came back to Le Mars it was quite an event in the neighborhood. George and his brother Milton were a big influence on me to serve my country. I will never forget!
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
George, was a wonderful man!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Craig & Carol
Dear Merle and Susan,
I was sorry to read of your dad’s death. My mother and dad had many good times with George and Shirley years ago when they first moved to Russell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Linda Lawrence
to George’s Family.
I’m very saddened to read about George’s death. He was a wonderful man and as genuine as they come. Heaven is surely blessed to have to have such a wonderful man there. I met George at the nursing home where he came to visit Shirley everyday. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say about everyone. I especially enjoyed watching him bring smiles and joys to the residents there. I remember how he would dance with this one resident and the smiles he brought to her face and the twinkle in her eyes everytime she would see him even though she had dementia. He was such a sweet man to everyone and an angel to many of the residents. What a pleasure it was to know him.
Sorry to hear about George. You have my condolences.
Marty Jespersen and Family
Dearest cousins Merle, Kathy and Sharon,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I’ve been in Florida for 30 years, so I have missed a lot. Whenever I saw Uncle George, it was like we were never apart for any long period of time. We just picked up where we left off. I’ll always remember his smile and laugh and the special time we spent at Kathy’s. We’ll see you again in heaven.
Love to all of you,
Tipper and Norma Thomas
Dear Kathy, Tom & family, I was sorry to read of the loss of your father. I’m sure he was a wonderful man, as he had a wonderful daughter. May your sadness be replaced by many fond memories over the passing of time. Know that he will always watch over you. Take care & God Bless.
George has always been special to me. He and Shirley welcomed me to Russell and were wonderful neighbors at very difficult time in my life. I missed them when they moved. Heaven becomes more dear to me all the time. I will have eternity to be neighbors with George and Shirley. May you all find comfort in our Heavenly Father. Sincerely, Dianne Sherman
Kathy, Merle, Diane, and Sharon,
My condolences to you and your families. I know that George was a very special person and that he will be missed greatly. I have very fond memories of my trip to Russell many years ago (early 1970’s) and the hospitality that your family extended to mine. I now deeply regret my decision three years ago, when passing by Russell, not to stop unannounced and say hello. Your uncle Milton kept me informed of family happenings for several years and now we have also lost that tie.
May God heal the hurt and leave you with only the fondest memories.
My apologies for the late sentiments. I only learned of your father’s death last week.
I am the grandson of Percy Merritt’s brother, Herbert.