Merlin F. Schneider

Merlin Frederick Schneider, 82, died at his home in Jackson, Mississippi, on Sunday, December 13, 2009.
Known as "Gim" by family and friends, he was the son of the late Brigadier General Merlin Schneider, United States Marine Corps, and Catherine Rhoads Schneider.
He was born in Haiti in 1927. He graduated from Boyden Preparatory School in San Diego, California, in 1945. He attended the United States Navel Academy, graduating in the Class of 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was then commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
He graduated first in his class at Marine Corps Officers Basic School. Assigned to the 1st Marine Division, he participated in the 1950 amphibious invasion of Inchon during the Korea War. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being badly wounded during the battle to recapture Seoul, Korea. His only brother, Richard Dana Schneider, a Marine pilot, was killed during the Korean War.
Upon resigning from the Marine Corps, he came to Jackson, Mississippi, to be Plant Engineer for Armstrong World Industries, then known as Armstrong Cork Co.
He is survived by his wife of more than 59 years, Jo. He leaves behind daughters Rebecca Pittman, of Jackson, Mississippi, and Bee Somers, of Germantown, Tennessee; son-in-law John Somers; and grandchildren Nathan Somers, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Hayley Somers, of Denver, Colorado.
He was a fine man, loving husband, beloved father and grandfather, and a genuine friend and neighbor to many.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at Wright & Ferguson on High Street in Jackson, Mississippi.
At his request, a private family service will be held, at which time his ashes will be scattered over the Pacific Ocean.
Memorials may be made in his name to C.A.R.A., Post Office 231, Clinton, Mississippi 39060; Jackson Friends of the City Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 13486, Jackson, Mississippi 39236; and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Dr. Jackson, Mississippi 39204.
Semper Fi