Merle Luther Smyser, Sr.

Merle Luther Smyser, Sr.

Never an Unkind Word -

Merle Luther Smyser, Sr., age 85, of Mechanicsburg, was embraced by his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 18, 2018, after a 38 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Merle was born on Wednesday, November 9, 1932 in Lisburn to the late John Harry Smyser and Amanda (Casey) Smyser.  In addition to his parents, Merle is preceded in death by his five brothers and four sisters.

Merle’s survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years, Joyce Darlene (Fortney) Smyser; his daughter, Darlene Weller and her husband, Jason, of Charles Town, WV; Merle Smyser, Jr. and his wife, Heather, of Etters; his six grandchildren: Kayla, Gabe, Drew, Hope, Sarah, Ayden; and his one sister.

Merle was a 20 year member of Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill.  For much of his membership years he was not physically able to attend services at the church campus but he thoroughly enjoyed the visits with his church family at his home.  He retired in 1988 from PennDOT Road Maintenance after 25 years of service.  Merle’s children remember with fondness their bicycle rides with him and remember him as being the “fastest bicycle rider they ever saw.”  He loved to watch professional wrestling and for years every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday were spent huddled around the television.  Probably the most notable remembrance of Merle came from his wife, Joyce, who “never heard him utter a harsh or unkind word to anyone about anything.”  What a tremendous legacy of kindness and love he leaves behind with those he loved and who loved him.

All are welcome to join Merle’s family at his viewing on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Lee E. Hyman officiating.  A special committal ceremony will immediately follow the service with a time of food and fellowship at Hoss's Steak & Sea House, 61 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, following the committal ceremony.  Interment will take place at a future date and at the convenience of the family.  Cremation will be private.

Contributions in celebration of Merle’s life can be made to: Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, http://www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give; or American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.Cancer.org/Involved/Donate.html

Merle’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Merle’s full obituary, view his memorial portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.