Morris M. Merriman of Cranberry Township died on Dec. 23 in Heritage Valley, Beaver, following a brief illness.

Mr. Merriman, known as “Barney,” was born on Jan. 26, 1926, in Sewickley. He was the youngest son of A. Miller and Sarah Josephine (Boyle) Merriman.

Barney attended Sewickley Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Mr. Merriman graduated from Clarion State Teachers College and received his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He retired from teaching after more than 36 years and lived in Florida. He moved back to Cranberry Township in 1991.

Mr. Merriman was the great-great-grandson of Frederick Merriman, one of the early settlers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Frederick was a soldier during the Revolutionary War, and he fought with Gen. Anthony Wayne during the Indian Wars of the late 1700s, camping at Legionville in 1792.

Barney was a longtime supporter of several veterans organizations.

In addition to his parents, Barney was preceded in death by brothers, Robert M., Allen B., and Charles (Bud) Merriman; sisters, Jennie Gutowski, Lydie Mathias and Sarah (Sally) Potts; and his very special friend, Ruth Brown.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary (Kennedy) Merriman of Sewickley, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the critical care unit at Heritage Valley, Beaver, for their kindness and professional attention during this difficult time.

<B>MERRIMAN — </B>Funeral arrangements for Morris M. Merriman, who died on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, are private and have been entrusted to the <B>Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services</B> of Moon Township.For more information, visit www.huntsmanfuneralhomes.com.