C. Merrill Brown

        C. Merrill Brown, 93, of Cumru Township passed away January 3, 2025, in the Healthcare Center at Phoebe Berks, Wernersville where he was a guest since October 23, 2024.

        Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Benjamin Clay and Annie R. (Wise) Brown. He was the loving husband to Helen C. (Keith) Brown. They celebrated 47 years prior to his passing.

        Merrill was the last of the 4th generation at F. M. Brown’s Sons, Inc. where he was the Treasurer for over 25 years. He was part-owner and ran the fuel oil and coal business on Lancaster Avenue, Reading.

        A 1949 graduate of Reading High School and a 1953 graduate of Catawba College, Salisbury, NC with a degree in business, Merrill was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shillington and was a peacetime Army veteran. He was a life member of the Reading Motorcycle Club, a member of American Legion Post # 92, Treverton, VFW Post 6150, Sinking Spring, VFW Post 6558, Womelsdorf, Gouglersville Fire Co. and AAA. A member of PA Petroleum Assn., he served as Treasurer of Berks Oil Heat Assn. and President of Reading Anthracite Coal Assn. In 2011, he was inducted into the PA Voter Hall of Fame for voting 50 consecutive years.

        Merrill loved motorcycle riding, traveling in all 50 states and Europe. He enjoyed traveling, country music, antique cars and car shows. He enjoyed driving his Model A ford in parades and spending time with his family.

        Left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife Helen are his children – Kelly L. wife of Lester Brown, Douglassville, Cindy M. Shao, Riverside, FL, Brenda J. Carey-Mullaney wife of Jeffrey Mullaney, Canton, MA, Clay M. Brown husband of Barbara Ray, Maplewood, NJ, Cristen M. Brown wife of Steven Kubacki, Reading, 12 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and his nephew Steve Keiser. He was predeceased by his daughter Susan A. DePasquale (2009), grandson Kevin DePasquale, husband of Holly (2024), and his sister Frances Keiser.

        Funeral services from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Gregory W. Frey will officiate. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington. Viewings on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM and Thursday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home.

        In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256 or The Children’s Home of Reading, 1010 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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