Merrill L. Whitling, 90, of 1120 North St, Oil City, passed away at 8:50 pm Thursday, July 16, 2015, at the Golden Living Center-Oil City, with his beloved wife Roselyn by his side.
Born May 24, 1925 in Cranberry, he was a son of the late James and Bessie Watson Whitling.
Merrill attended Cranberry Area Schools.
Merrill worked in management at the Oil City Glass Plant for 42 years and continued as a consultant for Saint Cobain Container for an additional 20 years until the age of 80.
He enlisted in 1943 in the US Army and served in Germany from September 1943 to December 1945, during World War II. He was captured by the Germans and was held prisoner for 6 months until his successful escape. His rank was Staff Sergeant and his job was heavy machine gunner and rifleman instructor.
Merrill was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church and served in many capacities.
Merrill was a 33rd degree mason belonging to Petrolia Lodge 363 F&AM, Venango Lodge of Perfection, Coudersport Consistory, and Zem Zem Shrine.
He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Oil City Housing Authority, the Brandon Cemetery Association, the Franklin Oil City Region Credit Union and several other agencies.
On April 15, 1947, he married the former Roselyn Gdanitz, who survives.
In addition to his wife, surviving are a daughter, Rose Whitling Potts and her husband Jack E. Potts, Sr. of Seneca; a son, Thomas J. Whitling and his wife Anna Maria of Laurel Maryland; a daughter-in-law, Rhesha Whitling of Georgia; and his grandson whom he helped to raise, Edward M. Whitling, Jr.
Also surviving are his three sisters, Hazel Whitmer, Ester Neil and Joanne Brooks; nine grandchildren, Melanie Potts, Jennifer Luktisch and husband Frank, Jack Potts, Jr. and wife Chastity, Christine Martinec and husband Stephen, Edward M. Whitling, Jr. and wife Molly, Tracy Whitling and husband Trapper Little, Dr. Nicholas Whitling and wife Chelsee, Abigail Halstead and husband Benjamin, and Diana Solorzano; and 17 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Merrill was preceded in death by two sons, Edward M. Whitling, Sr. and Terrance L. Whitling; two great grandchildren, Jensin Potts and Chyla Rose Franciscus; four brothers, Wyllis Whitling, Walter Whitling, Harold Whitling and Norman Whitling; and one sister, Helen O’ Neil.
Friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.
A Masonic Service will be held in the funeral home at 6:45 pm Monday.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday in Christ Episcopal Church with the Rev. Victor J. Kinnumen, officiating.
Interment with full military honors accorded by the VETS Honor Guard will be in Brandon Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to Morrison Funeral Home.
