Merrill E. "Doc" Davis, 93, Bellwood, passed away quietly Tuesday morning at Tyrone Hospital.
He was born in Bellwood, son of the late Clair and Marjorie (Cherry) Davis. He married Bessie C. Kahler on May 29, 1950, in Cumberland, Md., and she preceded him in death on Feb. 14, 2001.
Surviving are two sons: Merrill O. (Pat) of Charles City, Va., and Glenn O. (Deanna) of Bellwood; four granddaughters: Alyssa and Kristin Davis of Bellwood and Rabecca and Danielle Davis of Romeoville, Ill.; and a great-granddaughter, Lily Davis of Romeoville.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Ann; and a brother, Francis C. "Barney."
Merrill was awarded one of the first football scholarships ever given in Bellwood and attended Arkansas State Teachers College. He was a veteran of WWII, serving from May 13, 1942, until his honorable discharge on Dec. 3, 1945, with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a flight engineer on B-17 and B-29 aircraft.
He spent the majority of his life working for IA Construction, where he rose from the position of job foreman to regional manager, retiring in 1990 after 35 years of service. During that time period, he was able to find time to become a professional engineer and a member of the Jaffa Shrine and Tyrone Lodge 494, F&AM, and served as president of the Pennsylvania Asphalt Pavement Association and also on Bellwood Borough Council.
Merrill enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and going to camp. He could often be seen sitting on the porch and enjoying the sunshine. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, and 1 until the 2 p.m. funeral service Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Bellwood, the Rev. Norman Huff officiating. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.
