Merrill Credon Thrush, Jr.

Merrill Credon Thrush, Jr.

His eyes to the skies, and his love for his family -

Merrill Credon Thrush, Jr., age 77, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Roxbury, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017.  Merrill was born on Friday, November 17, 1939 in Chambersburg to the late Merrill Credon Thrush, Sr. and Mary Katherine (Mackey) Thrush. In addition to his parents, Merrill is preceded in death by a daughter, Gemini Rae Thrush; and a son, Daniel Credon Thrush.

Merrill’s survivors include his wife of 39 years, Barbara (Paronish) Thrush; his two daughters, Jessica Burchfield and her husband, Jamison of Hudsonville, MI, Sarah Wannamaker and her husband, Keith, and their son, Christopher of Allison Park, PA.

Merrill graduated from Chambersburg High School as part of the class of 1957.  Merrill served in the United States Navy and proudly sailed on the U.S.S. Forrestal and U.S.S. Valley Forge.  After his military service, Merrill worked as an owner-operator block truck driver for York Building Products, supplying building products for many buildings in the Harrisburg area.  In 1974, he transitioned to his career in aviation.  He received his private pilots license at Hershey, PA and took advanced training at Ardmore, OK.  He retired as a captain in 1999 from Piedmont Airlines, flying the Dash 8 across the east coast for US Airways Express.

Merrill had a deep faith and he attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg.  He was a member of the Orrstown Masonic Lodge #262 and the Shriners Blue Mountain Group.  Merrill was a meticulous man who took pride in doing his own mechanical and carpentry work.  He enjoyed nature, hunting, and being outside.  His all-time favorite thing to do was to fly.  Most importantly, Merrill was very family oriented.  He deeply loved his wife, he was immensely proud of his children, and he absolutely loved playing with his grandson, Christopher.

All are welcome to join Merrill’s family for a time of prayer, reflection, and military honors, beginning at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 with Dr. James Scott playing the bagpipes.  A celebration reception and greeting of friends will follow from 2:45 until 4:45 p.m. with a time of remembrance and storytelling to begin at 4:00 p.m. and a closing ceremony to take place at 4:45 p.m., all at Aldersgate United Methodist, 1480 Jerusalem Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that an expression of sympathy be given or contributions can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607,     https://www.ShrinersHospitalsForChildren.org/en/donate.

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