Major Bion Edmund Merry, ‘Wink’, retired USMC passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born October 26, 1928, in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of the late Ackland H. and Stephanie B. (Nock) Merry. He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1947 and Gettysburg College in 1951.
Wink married Barbara Ann Musselman on June 11, 1950, she presented him with a graduation present the following year – a son, Thomas Joel Merry, born June 9, 1951, who unfortunately died at 2 months old. Besides his wife, Bion is survived by four daughters; Cathy, wife of Michael Myers of New Providence, Laurie Merry of Woodstock, VA, Linda, wife of Craig Redding and Myrellen wife of Nicole Smith-Merry of Littlestown. He is blessed with 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his great-granddaughter, Mariah Rebekah McFadden.
Drafted into the Marine Corps as a college student, he graduated from boot camp on February 29, 1952, retiring as a major after 24 years of service. He served in SC, NC, IL, CA, HI, PA, DC and Korea and Vietnam.
After his retirement from the Corps, Wink worked at H& H Pontiac and Shultz Chevrolet as Parts Manager at each place. Upon fully retiring, he became active with the Allied Officers Honor Guard and the Gettysburg Battlefield Detachment Marine Corp League, serving as Commandant for several years. For many years, Wink taught the AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety course. He was a lifetime member the American Legion Post 202 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was also a member of the Supply Officers Association, a National Officer Association member of the Marine Corps Mustang Aviation.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, with full military honors, being presented by the Adams County Allied Veterans, following the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the services Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gettysburg Battlefield Detachment Marine Corps League, PO Box 3414 Gettysburg, PA 17325 – “In Memory of Major Bion E. Merry”