Obituary of Edward L. Merrithew

Edward L. Merrithew of Warrensburg, formerly of Danbury, Ct., was freed of his earthly ties and entered into the eternal presence of our lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 while on vacation in Florida. Without a doubt, upon entering into the pearly gates, the first thing Ed did was to look upon Heaven for someone in need. Surely God, in His infinite wisdom, will make him a caretaker of Heaven. For you see, while he walked this earth, Ed’s passion was to help all who needed him. Whether you were family or friend, (no one could remain a stranger to Ed…he would not allow that) he would be the first one there to help you. His legacy of love and caring was an example to us all. Ed’s passing is a very grievous time for his wife, Janis, his family and his friends, but we take comfort in the knowledge in what he meant, not only to us, but to everyone he touched. Through this, we celebrate his life. He was a passionate lover of nature and the forests. His love of hunting was enhanced by just being out in the woods. Whether going to the NASCAR races or just huddled in front of the TV, Ed loved to cheer on #88, Dale Jarrett. Since retiring, Ed and Jan would load up their motor home and travel cross country, to Florida or wherever the road might lead them. Ed was a licensed arborist. There wasn’t a leaf or twig that he couldn’t tell you the origin of. He was a member of the vestry of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Warrensburg. His membership in the Moose Club was very important to him because of their many contributions to children’s charities. Ed was born in Warrensburg on September 24, 1941, he was the son of Jesse and Anna (Caron) Merrithew. Upon graduating from Warrensburg Central School in 1960, Ed moved to Danbury, Ct., area where he took a job with Bartlett Tree Service. Ed distinguished himself as one of the top people in the company for 20 years. He then decided to “go out on a limb”, so to speak, and created ELM Tree Service which is, incidentally, Ed’s initials. He very successfully operated ELM and retired in 2004 after 21 years of service. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Jess and Anna Merrithew. He leaves behind a son, Edward Merrithew Jr. and wife, Barbara, their children Kaylee, Kelsey and Kristi of Sherman, Ct.; two brothers, Robert Merrithew of Minerva and his children, Michael and Heidi, and John Merrithew and wife, Sandy of Clifton Park and their daughter, Melanie Merrithew; one sister, Libby Vallie and her husband, Thomas of Hendersonville, NC and their children, Todd Vallie, Anita Watson and husband, David, and Tara Fuller and husband, Jason. Ed leaves his beloved wife of 21 years, Janis Kenyon Merrithew of Warrensburg; two step-children, Gerald “Eddie” Pennock and wife, Sandy of Warrensburg, and their children, Ashleigh, Camille and Brittany and Judie Tennant and husband, Scott of Warrensburg, and their children, Cole and Chloe. Jan’s brothers and sisters: Raymond Kenyon and wife Ruth, of Athol, Douglas Kenyon and wife, Janet of Glens Falls, Richard Kenyon and wife, Georgia of Athol, John Kenyon of Athol, Pamala Siletti and husband, Paul of Athol, Jacque Wells and husband, Kevin of South Glens Falls and David Kenyon and wife, Lorrie of Daytona Beach, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Ed’s family from 2-4 and 7-9 on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, Main St., Warrensburg, with the Rev. John Cornelius, celebrant. Burial will follow at Reynolds Cemetery, Thurman. Pall bearers for Ed’s funeral will be Jack Sweet, Dick Ouelette, John Higgins, Beaver Aldridge, Mike Merrithew, Cole Tennett, Dave Kenyon and Gary Lamy; honorary bearers will be Jack Toney, Doug, Ray, Rick and John Kenyon. Contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or The Church of the Holy Cross, 3764 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 13856. Ed's family has asked that you plant a tree in his Memory. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.