Merrison

Frank Thomas Merrison, 89, of Forward Township passed away Friday while in the comfort of his home.

Born Aug. 4, 1924, in London, England, he was the son of the late Sydney James and Edith Mae (Harris) Merrison.

After many years of dedicated service, Frank retired from BNZ in Zelienople as a kiln fireman. He had the satisfaction of building his family's home from the ground up.

During his free time, he loved ballroom dancing, feeding birds and squirrels, gardening and growing fruit and chestnut trees. Above all, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, tireless work ethic and the love he had for his family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 66 years, Freda (Izan) Merrison, who he married on Oct. 19, 1946; his four children, Daryl Merrison and his wife, Sally, of Butler, Kathy Kennedy and her husband, Web, of Zelienople, James Merrison and his wife, Debbie, of Evans City and Debra Zielinski and her fiancé, Arthur Geiger, of Butler; his brother, Ron Merrison of England; his two sisters, Julie Ackerly of England and Amy Colbert of Australia; his seven grandchildren, Stacy Merrison, Chris Merrison, Nicole Merrison, Kimberly Zielinski, Samantha Merrison, Sarah McEntire and Sydney Merrison; and his six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his two sisters, Joyce Fisher and Maise Williams.

MERRISON — The family of Frank Thomas Merrison, who died Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, will welcome friends Sunday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Boylan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 116 E. Main St., Evans City. Additional visitation will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral ceremony at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Patricia Nelson officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Evans City Cemetery.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Frank's family at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.