Clark N. Merritts

Clark Nelson Merritts, 89, of Hopewell, PA; passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at home.  He was born on October 21, 1930 in Carson Valley, Duncansville, PA; a son of the late Dean Earl and Eva Thelma (Brubaker) Merritts.

He attended Hollidaysburg High School, joined United States Army and served in Alaska during the Korean War.  After he returned, he married Shirley (Brehmer) of Wilmington, NC.  Shirley preceded him in death.

Together they had five children Clark Merritts, Jr. (Sherry Jean), Richard Merritts (Anita Caryl), Michael Stephen Merritts, Valerie Maness and the late Daryll Merritts; nine grandchildren: Jamie, Brian Stacy, Rickie (Jade), Kelly (Charles), Kasey, Khristina (Drew), Branden (Robyn), Jeremy, Candace Nicole; twelve great grandchildren: Kinley, Katelyn, Zoey, Noah, Kayla, Amanda, Kasen, Kaylee, Cameron, Terra, Naomi, Emma.  A sister Kathy (Joseph Ellery) Canady, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his son Daryll and a brother Floyd, and sisters Freida, Leota, Gwendolyn and baby sister Sandy.

He had a lifelong love of trucking, retiring from Union Carbide Corporation liquid gas division in 1985, with a lifetime driving record of over 2 million miles.

In retirement, he took up bluegrass with nephews Joey and Randy Canady and best friend Charles Carlisle. He played guitar, mandolin, bass and traveled all over NC. After returning to Altoona, he met wife Diana through their mutual love of bluegrass.  He made many friends in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and NC through music. 

Clark was a lover of old-fashioned desserts, especially apple and pumpkin pie and bread pudding, apple dumplings, doughnuts, and sticky buns. He frequented many small cafes and restaurants and enjoyed meeting the staff and patrons.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Hopewelll Grace Brethren Chruch.

Arrangements by Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

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