Merle S. Shaner Sr., 81

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. - Merle S. Shaner Sr., of Zephyrhills, formerly of Smyrna, Del., passed away at home Saturday, May 31, 2008. He was 81.

Mr. Shaner was born July 26, 1926, in Lamartine, Pa., son to the late Leroy and Rosella Shaner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly C. Shaner; and a son, David R. Shaner.

He is survived by his sons, Sandy Shaner and wife Pauline of Zephyrhills, Steve Shaner and wife Diane of Smyrna, Gene Shaner and wife Debbie of Pinellas Park and Donnie Shaner and wife Cathy of Smyrna; a daughter, Carole Dillmore and husband Louie of Zephyrhills; a daughter-in-law, Robyn Shaner of Clayton, Del.; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include four brothers, Al "Burt" Shaner of Delmar, Del., Greg Shaner of Long Neck, Del., Bob Shaner of Camden-Wyoming, Del., and Dick Shaner of Fort Stewart, Ga.; and two sisters, Donna Lee VanWormer of Cranberry, Pa., and Norma "Diane" Strotman of Grasonville, Md.

He was a life member of the Zephyrhills Moose Lodge 1682, the Zephyrhills Veterans of Foreign Wars 8154 and the American Legion Post 14, Smyrna.

Services will be noon Saturday at Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Contributions in Mr. Shaner's name may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667-2460.

Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

Letters of condolences may be sent to www.fariesfuneralhomes.com.