Merrill J. Benner, 88, of Brookline Village and formerly of Thompsontown died on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at the Village.
Born on June 18, 1926, in Fayette Twp., Juniata County he was a son of the late Jonathan and Emma (Stroup) Benner. On August 19, 1948, he married Loretta A. (Swartz) Benner, with whom he shared nearly 57 years of marriage, until she preceded him in death on March 29, 2005.
Surviving are his children, Ronald Benner and his wife Vicki, of Mifflintown, Daniel Benner and his wife Donna, of Gardners, Teresa Belcher and her husband Randy, of Ijamsville, MD; a daughter-in-law Chris Benner, of Newport News, VA; grandchildren, Vanessa Shank and her husband Michael, Nina Belcher, Michael Belcher, Jennifer Benner and Justin Benner; and he leaves behind a great granddaughter, Lacy Shank.
He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Benner, an infant daughter, a granddaughter, Stephanie Benner and is the last of his generation having been preceded in death by 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
Mr. Benner was a 1944 graduate of Fayette High School, McAlisterville and had been attending the Free Spring Church of the Brethren and was a member of the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Bunkertown Men’s Chorus and the Thompsontown Lions Club. Every month he always looked forward to and enjoyed meeting with his class at the Bread of Life Restaurant, McAlisterville.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII in the European theater.
Retiring in 1982, he was employed as an orderly and aid for the Harrisburg State Hospital. He also was a self-employed carpenter.
Merrill had a passion for woodworking, loved to sing and tend his garden. His love of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles was well known; but, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2015, from the Free Spring Church of the Brethren with Pastor Terry Smith officiating, where full military burial honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, McAlisterville.
Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Friday, at the Church.
For those who wish, memorial contributions in Mr. Benner’s memory may be made to the Free Spring Church of the Brethren, 670 Free Spring Church Road, Mifflintown, PA 17059 or to the Juniata County Veterans Council, PO Box 1, Mifflintown, PA 17059.