Merlin E. Thomas, 77, of Saegertown passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at his home. Merle was born on July 18, 1946, in Erie, PA the son of the late Charles Henry and Thora Elaine (Raymond) Thomas. Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Evelyn (Lynn) Thompson. They were married July 14, 1972, at Brown Hill United Methodist Church outside Cambridge Springs. He graduated from Cambridge Springs High School in 1965. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy as an airplane mechanic. After honorably serving his country, he moved his wife and two babies from Pensacola, FL to his home area in Venango, PA. Merle was known for his strong work ethic. For forty years he was employed at the former Lord Corporation, now Parker-Lord, in Cambridge Springs, PA. While working at LORD, he worked several other jobs including pumping gas, oiling cars, and janitorial services. Merle enjoyed reloading ammunition and collecting guns, stamps, and coins. He also was interested in anything to do with American Civil War history.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Bonnie Fagle and Joyce English; four brothers-in-law, Joseph Dugan, Michael Walk, Keven Fagle and Terry Mehman; sister in-law, Frances Orr; nephew, Jarrod Dugan; and his In-laws, Lawrence and Jean Thompson.
In addition to his wife, Lynn Thomas, of Saegertown, survivors include two sons, Seth (Jen) Thomas of Meadville and Laeth Thomas of Saegertown; four grandchildren, Dylan (Minda) Thomas of Saegertown, Samantha Thomas of York, PA, Jordan Thomas of Indiana, PA and Sage Thomas of Meadville; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Colt Thomas; one brother, Michael (Sue)Thomas of Meadville; two sisters, Linda Walk of Cambridge Springs and Mary Jane Holub of Iowa; three brothers-in-law, Daniel Thompson and Larry (Roberta) Thompson, both of Venango, and Floyd Orr of Waterford; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a special Uncle Ted.
Family and friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs on Friday, September 15, from 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held there on Saturday, September 16 at 11 am with interment and committal to follow at Venango Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the VA, VNA, and Hospice for the care they provided in his final days.
Lynn and family. I am sosory for your loss Bob always had good things to say about Merl.
My condolences to Lynn and family. I’m sorry I missed the funeral service I just found out today. May he rest in peace.
I remember Merle, mainly from my 13 years at LORD, as a quiet person minding his work. Though when u did get a chance to talk to him, at work or at family functions, there was always some sort of humor involved (: He was always pleasant to talk to.
I always had a lot of respect for his dedication to his job and that he pushed on and worked at LORD with visual aids, till he absolutely could not any longer, due to his failing eyesight.
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Lynn, Laeth, my best friend Seth, Jen and the rest of the family.
May you find strength, with the help of family and friends, through this difficult time. I love you guys <3
To Lynn, Seth & Laeth, I’m so sorry for your loss of a great person Melin was. I worked with Mel all the way through until his retirement at LORD CORPORATION in Cambridge Spring. Mel was such a great guy to work with not only because of his great knowledge of his job, but his superior work ethic. He was such a great guy to talk to especially in his great knowledge in Civil War history, but with a lot of knowledge with history in general. Mel always had a great sense of humor. It was a great pleasure & fun to have worked with Merlin. May he rest in peace.