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BORN
1927
DIED
2017
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Paul Merriman Obituary
1927-2017
Paul was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 11, 1927, died on June 3, 2017. Paul was predeceased by wife, Patricia, his wonderful wife for 58 years, his parents, Albertine Dor and Glen D. Merriman, and his sisters Madeleine White and Helen Bummer of Pittsburgh, PA.
Paul is survived by his seven children; Patience Merriman and husband Mark, Jane Wilson and husband David, Paula Travis and husband Bruce, Laura Merriman, Carol Lester and husband Terry, Paul M. Merriman Jr. and wife Anne, and Glen Merriman and wife Sheri. Also survived by his sister Mary Louise Fitzgerald and grandchildren Colin Fahey, Chris Fahey and wife Margaret, Sean Wilson and wife Erin, Rhett Travis and wife Heidi, Sarah Drake and husband Stephen, Mary Bauer and husband David, Natalie Lester, and Teresa Lester and fiancé Sam Zappa, and Michelle and Jennifer Merriman and several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Paul joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17 and proudly served his country in WWII as an infantry rifleman with the Twenty-Eighth Marine Regiment who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Paul was wounded in combat there and received the Purple Heart.
After WWII, he worked at General Electric Company then moved with his family to Houston in 1970 to purchase HISCO, an industrial supply company. He helped to build it to its present size and retired in 1998, turning the company over to the 240 employees/owners with a very successful Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Paul would like to be remembered as an active and cheerful man. He was a ham radio operator W5SKM, runner of 13 marathons, jogger/walker who covered 51,789 miles, Shade Tree Mechanic, persevering gardener, WWII speaker, and slow learning piano player. We'll miss him, and his contributions from "The Greatest Generation".
Honorary pallbearers from HISCO are: Gina Huffman, Cindy Morrison, Skip Skonnard, Rick Cartier, Paul Gill, and Bob Dill. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, TX. Friends are invited to reception after funeral mass in the Parish Life Center.
No flowers please, but prayers gratefully accepted.
Interment will be later at Houston National Veterans Cemetery where he will join wife Pat, in a private ceremony.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Merriman
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
Glenn Landon
June 16, 2017
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Merriman, a shining example of the "greatest generation". I will always be in awe of how a 17 year old could endure the brutal combat of the Pacific campaign.
I will always treasure the envelope of black sand from Iwo Jima that he gave me.
I always looked forward to his visits to our office.
Our most sincere condolences to his family.
Glenn Landon MD
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
June 8, 2017
When we heard about Mr. Merriman's passing on Saturday, we were deeply saddened; when we went to Mass on Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, and all was decorated in (Hisco) RED, I looked up to the heavens and smiled. I think our Lord was helping us celebrate Mr. Merriman's extra-ordinary life! Pentecost Sunday is a reminder of the Holy Spirits' gifts/talents to each of us; Mr. Merriman's gifts/talents, were many, and he fully utilized them throughout his life. May we continue to be inspired by his life, so that we too, use our gifts/talents to the fullest and make him proud. Our deepest condolences to the Merriman Family and to Mr. Merriman's extended HISCO family. In Mr. Merriman's own words, let us remember, this too shall pass .
You will be missed but never forgotten!
With Love and the upmost Respect,
Cecilia R. Bella HISCO Harlingen (almost 27 years)
Mark S. Nieto (former Hisco employee: 16 years)
Michael Ryan
June 7, 2017
I had the pleasure and honor to know Paul for over 40 years as a vendor, competitor, but most importantly as a friend. One of the true giants of our Industry and in life. Rest in peace Paul!
Michael T. Ryan
Edmond Leung
June 6, 2017
I just know you today, Mr. Merriman. Your story will inspire the rest of my life. RIP.
Jan Baughman
June 6, 2017
I met your father by chance at The Forum while serving on a Patriot Guard Riders mission a few years ago. We became fast friends after that. I will cherish the friendship that I had with Paul. He was an exceptional good man.
Mary Joan Fitzgerald
June 6, 2017
To my Uncle Paul, you helped me so much when mom passed away, She was so proud to have you as her brother. I will miss our e-mails. Thanks for always being there.
Frances Barrelli
June 6, 2017
I am honored to have met Paul Merriman while working at The Forum. He was a kind, funny and wonderful man. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. Sending prayers to the Merriman family who had such wonderful parents.
Paul Merriman Jr
June 5, 2017
I am proud to share your name Dad. You and Mom taught us so much about life and treating people of all types with respect and equality. I'm going to miss my buddy. Paul Jr.
Trish Zizzi
June 5, 2017
I am honored and blessed to have known Mr. Merriman. I was his secretary at Hisco for over ten years and he was the best boss ever. I will always remember his wonderful smile and gentle soul. My condolences to the family.
June 5, 2017
What a wonderful man! We are sending prayers of comfort to his family. He will become a Guardian Angel for many!
Anita Welch, Roswell, Ga.
June 5, 2017
Love my yearly Christmas cards. He always looked so happy and even a little mischievous.
A recent one surrounded by his 7 children was special. He will be missed.
Marshs
Amanda Nicodemus
June 5, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Merriman family . Even though I only knew Mr. Merriman for a few years, I have never forgotten his charm & grace as well as his infectious smile!
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