Merrill G. Freed, 88, of Cornwall, PA, died at Cornwall Manor on March 7, 2024.

He was born in Montgomery County, PA, on Feb. 18, 1936, to the late Joseph H. and Matilda K. Godshall Freed.

Merrill’s strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ carried him peacefully through life to his Heavenly reward. He was an active member of Gingrich Mennonite Church, Lebanon, PA, since 1970.

Merrill attended Souderton High School. During the Korean War, he served an alternate 1-W assignment at Lancaster General Hospital as an orderly and later graduated in the first class of O.R. technicians. Merrill enhanced his natural gift for art by completing an Art Instruction School correspondence course. Merrill served as a creative therapist at Philhaven Hospital, Mt. Gretna, for 28 years. His gentle personality and skill in a variety of crafts were an asset to the treatment of those he served. He retired from Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, as an O.R. technician in 1996 to further pursue his hobby of artistic painting. Most recently, he volunteered at Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA), Grantville, PA.

Merrill enjoyed studying Scripture, camping, horseback riding, and fitness training. He was gifted at painting with oils, acrylics, and watercolors. He loved a good story, whether in books or on film.

In 1962, Merrill and Joyce “Elaine” Sensenig married after meeting in the operating room and have celebrated 61 years. In addition to his widow, he is survived by his daughter, Joanne (Richard) Fetzer, of Chuckey, TN; his son, Barrett, of Cornwall; his son, Jonathan (Markay Pfautz), of Lebanon; his daughter, Bethany (Ryan) Umble, of Ephrata; his grandchildren, Juliana, Kai, Aslan Umble, Ariah, and Eiselee Freed; his sisters, Jean (Earl) Clemmer and Nancy (the late Alvin) Alderfer, both of Montgomery County, PA; his sister-in-law, Donna (Christopher) Keiser, Pioneer, OH; and his three married step-grandchildren and their families.

Merrill was predeceased by his infant son, Gordon Lamar (1967), five infant grandchildren, his sister, Doris Freed (2020), and his step-great-grandson.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Gingrich Mennonite Church, 100 Forney Road, Lebanon, PA 17042, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. and following the service. Interment will be private at Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery, East Earl, PA.

His family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Cornwall Manor Health Center for their loving care in Merrill’s final years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to his church (address above), Cornwall Manor Benevolent Fund (P.O. Box 125, Cornwall, PA 17016), or CATRA (P.O. Box 339, Grantville, PA 17028).