Obituary of Thomas L. Merritt

Tom's family would like to extend an invitation to all - Please help them celebrate Tom's life by sharing your memories of him, either publicly or privately, in the condolences section. Thomas L. Merritt, 86, of State College, passed away peacefully at his home on September 1, 2016. He was born to Austin and Vada (Adkins) Merritt in Barnesville, Ohio on April 22, 1930. Tom graduated from Barnesville High School in 1948 and earned his B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees in Animal Science from the Ohio State University in 1952, 1955, and 1960 respectively. While at OSU, he met Norma Romick. They were married on September 19, 1953. Tom taught at OSU for eight years and was a Professor of Animal Science at the Pennsylvania State University for 32 years, retiring in 1992 with Emeritus rank. He was a respected teacher, leader, and mentor at PSU where he taught over 15,000 students, served on numerous University committees, and received multiple awards. While at PSU, Tom served as Chair of the University Faculty Senate, Presidential Search and Screening Committee, and the Provost Search and Selection Committee. He was a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President and chaired the Undergraduate Instruction Committee, the Committee on Faculty Affairs, and the sub-committee responsible for development of University Scholars Program. Tom was the recipient of the Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Award and received the McKay Donkin award recognizing exceptional contributions to the "economic, physical, mental, and social welfare of the University faculty" in 1992. Tom's work effectively bridged the gap between academia and the community. He published in technical, professional and research journals and was the long-time coach of the PSU Horse, Livestock, and Wool judging teams, President of the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association, and Director of the American Quarter Horse Association. In addition to designing and implementing numerous academic University courses, he developed a wide variety of short, and correspondence, courses – ensuring that the Department's work was continuously integrated into the field. One of the most popular of these, the Horseshoeing Short Course, ran from 1965 until 1982 and drew students from all walks of life, across the U.S., and from several foreign countries. He was an avid vegetable farmer and, along with Norma, a founding member and 21 year participant of the Downtown State College Farmer's Market. Tom was an active member of the State College Church of Christ for 55 years. He frequently led Sunday morning worship and served as the Church's full time preacher for the past 13 years. He oversaw a campus bible study program for many years and attended monthly Elder and Preacher Meetings at the Church in Carlisle and Camp Hill. Tom and Norma's home often served as emergency lodging for international students and members of the local and church community in need. Tom and Norma raised a large and loving family – joyfully welcoming the most recent addition, Samuel Thomas Merritt, on July 7, 2016. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Tom is survived by his daughter Susan and her husband Rob Scott of State College; son Greg Merritt and his wife Marcie of Rock Hill, SC; daughter Nancy Merritt of Chevy Chase, MD; daughter Tricia and her husband Todd Farrell; son Doug Merritt and son Todd Merritt and his wife Laura all of State College. Grandchildren Kayelyn and Sara Scott of State College, Andy Merritt and his wife Victoria of Summerville, SC; Megan and her husband Nick Ireland, of Raleigh, NC; Josh Merritt, of State College and Natalie Schwartz of Chevy Chase, MD. Great Grandchildren Taylor and Austin Merritt of State College and Samuel Thomas Merritt of Summerville, SC. Surviving siblings include sisters, Eleanor Rickard, Linda (Bill) Hockenberry, Betsy (Larry) Smith and brothers Dave (Monna) Merritt, Ed (Gladie) Merritt, Bill (Marcia) Merritt, and Bob Merritt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Homer and Chris. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College and will be officiated by Mr. Ed Dyche. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the State College Church of Christ, 405 Hillcrest Avenue, State College, PA. 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online memories, condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.