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Merlyn Knapp Obituary
Merlyn was born April 5, 1929, in Monroe, Michigan, to Vernon Kenneth and Clara Christina (Coutcher) Knapp.
He graduated from Monroe High School and attended Michigan State University.
He started his career as a farmer in Monroe County. In 1961, he purchased and operated Knapp Insurance Agency in Monroe County until 1969.
In 1969, he purchased land in Auburndale, Florida, and moved with his brother and their families to develop Ariana Shores Mobile Home Park in 1970. Merlyn, along with his brother and partners, then developed Lake & Golf Mobile Home Park in Winter Haven, Florida. He owned and operated 3 manufactured home communities in Medway, Springfield and Brandt, Ohio, which he sold in 1995. In 1986, he along with his brother and partners, developed, owned and operated Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club Community until 2011. He was a partner in the development of Five Star Family Growers, a large blueberry farm and packing operation in Auburndale, Florida.
He loved to hunt, fish, travel and did it extensively throughout his life.
He had homes in Ontario, Canada, Minnesota, Michigan's upper peninsula and northeastern Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon, and his mother, Clara.
Merlyn is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Beverly Knapp of Lakeland, Florida; children, Gerald (Suzanne) Knapp of Lakeland, Florida, Marvin (Debra) Knapp of Auburndale, Florida, Karen (James) Wilcox of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Jeffrey (Katrina) Dentel of Auburndale, Florida; brother, Donald Knapp of Auburndale, Florida; 10 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jonathan, Brian, Tracy, Jessica, Kevin, Joshua, Megan, Ryan and Casey; nine great-grandchildren, Cooper, Cullen, Nolan, Rowan, Kendall, Marley, Grady, Crawford and Fielder; many nieces and nephews.
We thank Good Shepherd Hospice for their wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First United Methodist Church (Memorial Fund), 316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, Florida, 33823 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, Florida 33805.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday March 11 with visitation fro 10 to 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Churchy, 316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, Florida 33823.
Arrangements by Kersey Funeral Home, 108 E. Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale, Florida, 33823 (863) 967-1167.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merlyn Knapp
Sponsored by Kersey Funeral Home.
Candice Weilnau
March 16, 2019
Condolences to Bev and Family. I felt like I knew Merlyn from all the good things Bob had to say about him. There were many stories about
Merlyn & the farm and how he treated his workers to being a great family man...RIH Merlyn
Al Jagutis
March 14, 2019
Bev,Jerry,Marv, Debbie &. Sue, we will miss Merlyn but we will never forget him. So many fond memories from cards, To Donut Man and all those wonderful meals we had a chance to share with all of you. Our thoughts and prayers to help you through these difficult times. See you soon. Al & Scott
[email protected] Coughlin
March 13, 2019
Beverley.. we send our love to you and family from your friends in Canada We so treasured our little visits at church Ed and Mary Coughlin
March 12, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss! Jerry: Walt has fond memories of your dad! Thinking of you all during this difficult time!
Larry Nickel
March 11, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He definitely lived life to the fullest. Larry and Betty Nickel
March 11, 2019
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Ellie and Dennis Harper
Carla Gerhardt
March 10, 2019
Marv and DEBBIE,
Sorry to hear of your father,s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Burney
March 8, 2019
May the love of God and the fond memories of your loved one bring comfort to you during this difficult time I am so sorry for your
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Kersey Funeral Home108 Lake Stella Drive P.O. Box 605, Auburndale, FL 33823
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