Eugene "Gene" Merriman, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and caregiver, died peacefully on June 14th, 2024. He was 90.

Born and raised in New Castle, Delaware, "Monk" was a preceded in death by his parents, Viola (Wootten) and Lou Merriman, his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jack Veasey, his son-in-law, Larry Nai, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and other Wootten and Iorii relatives. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anna Mae (Iorii), daughters Sharon Merriman-Nai and Patti Witte (Larry), son Mick Merriman (Jennifer), grandchildren, Kevin Nai, Toni Witte, Michael Witte, Patrick Dunn (Jessica), Jonathan Pobanz, Gabrielle Merriman, and his great-granddaughter, Lindsey Dunn, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gene was a gifted athlete who graduated from William Penn High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. A prankster who could always light up a room, he was also voted class clown. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. His love of travel began when he visited Spain and France on leave with his lifelong buddy, the late Tommy Althouse.

After coming home, Gene continued his federal service as a distribution clerk at the post office in Wilmington. He reluctantly agreed to go on a blind date ("the best decision I ever made") when he met Anna Mae. They were engaged six weeks later and married the following year. He continued at the U.S. Postal Service until 1989 when he retired as Director of Marketing. Early in his marriage he also worked part time as a cashier and teller at Delaware Park, Brandywine Raceway, Fair Hill Races, and, on occasion, at the Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore.

Family meant everything to him and he and Anna Mae opened their home to many throughout their marriage. He was never happier than when preparing for a get together, holiday, or Patti's family visits. He was a foodie who enjoyed helping Anna Mae in the kitchen and was famous for his chocolate chip pancakes, sundaes and milkshakes, and world class clam chowder. Gene lived to serve and delighted in the role of Poppop, babysitting whenever he had the chance and never missing a performance, spelling bee, ballgame, or horseback riding lesson.

Gene endured the agony and ecstasy of being a lifelong Eagles and Phillies fan, hosting weekly football Sundays. As a young father he enjoyed coaching little league and recently partnered with Mick to play fantasy football in a league alongside Patti, Larry, Michael, and Sharon. He and Anna Mae loved taking many trips with friends and family to San Antonio, New England, Florida, Niagra Falls, and other places. In recent years, he helped organize army veteran reunions in Lancaster, Washington, DC, and Michigan.

Gene never stopped growing. In his 70's, he converted to the Catholic faith which he embraced fully. He participated in weekly Bible study at St. Matthew's and served as an usher.

The family is especially grateful for the kind and loving care provided by Gene's aides from Nurturing Angels, particularly Leslie, Dajah, Nancy, Sunday, Kerri, and Mae.

Friends and family are invited to share in the Celebration of his Life on Saturday, June 22nd. A visitation will be held at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 901 East Newport Pike at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass at 10:30AM. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to the Mill Creek Fire Company or to a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be made at MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913.