Obituary of Merrill Kenneth Sager, 84

Merrill Kenneth Sager, died peacefully in the early morning of Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, with loved ones at his side. He was 84.

He was born in Lewistown in 1925, a son of the late Fern and Blanche Carpenter Sager. He married Ernestine P. Smith, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Gary M. Sager and Mike K. Sager, both of State College; a granddaughter, Lisa R. Sager Salvato and her husband, Brian E., of State College; great-grandsons, Carter E. Salvato and Cooper G. Salvato, and great-grandaughter, Lucia R. Salvato, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Irene Sager Brouse, Esther Sager Meyers, and Anne Sager Poorman, and a brother, William F. Sager. He was the last of his family.

He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy late that year. He served on the U.S.S. Chandeleur AV-10. He saw action in the Pacific Theater, in campaigns in Saipan, Palau, Okinawa, and air operations off China, Korea, and Japan. He was a Radioman 2nd Class during the war and served in the Army Reserves after the war. Mr. Sager retired from the United States Postal Service. He was an automated mail sorter at the time of his retirement. He had 32 years of service. In his early years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He liked softball and Penn State Football. He was a member of the N.R.A., and the American Legion 245 in State College. He gave to many charities. He was a loving son, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A memorial service with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Muldoon officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Centre Crossings Hospice, 2437 Commercial Blvd., State College, PA 16801, or to the SPCA, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828.