Alvin H. “Pete” Merritt, age 83, of Morral, passed away early Saturday morning, March 9, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at the Marion Manor.
Pete was born on March 24, 1929, at the family home on Irvin Shoots Road, the son of the late Garfield and Dora (May) Merritt. Pete attended Morral High School where he was quite the basketball player. He graduated in the class of 1947.
A couple of years after high school, Pete was united in marriage to E. Betty McConnell at the Forrest Lawn Presbyterian Church on April 22, 1950. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage together.
Pete devoted his life to farming and especially enjoyed raising livestock that included cattle, sheep and pigs. He also worked off the farm at the Morral Cannery and also the Producers Stockyards in Marion. He will be remembered for his homemade ice cream and the enjoyment he received from watching basketball games.
He also spent time giving back to his community. He was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church of Marion where he ushered and participated in Sunday school classes. He was a member of the Durwood Knights of Pythians Lodge in Prospect for 65 years, member of the Marion County Agriculture Society and the Salt Rock Township Zoning Board.
Pete is survived by his devoted wife E. Betty Merritt; his children: Allen (Jean) Merritt, Judy (Gary) Prater and Randy (Vicki) Merritt; grandchildren: Jill (Ryan) Brammer, Julie (Joshua) Alexander, Paige Merritt and Taylor Merritt; Great grandchildren: Chesney Alexander, Reid Brammer, Anna Brammer and Bronson Alexander and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Frances (Donna) Merritt, Clara (Roy) Hinamon, Emma (Melvin) Radel and Hazel Merritt.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center St., Marion from 4PM to 7PM; Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:30AM with Dr. Rick Farmer officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Prairie Cemetery.
Donations be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or the Marion General Hospital Hospice.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Pete’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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