Our beloved Merritt Leigh Blackburn passed away on February 11, 2010, after a long illness. He was 68 years old.

Merritt, who was born in Norristown, was the son of the late John S. and Isabel Blackburn. He is survived by his wife, Margery (nee Gildersleeve), to whom he was married for 45 wonderful years. His loving children are Glenn, of Clarksville, MD, and Wendy Kleckner, of Lansdale, PA. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Lois Rapson, of Lansdale, PA. "Baboo" was the proud grandfather of Patrick, Micaela, Addie and Bobby.

After graduating from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, where he served as class president, he received a B.S. from Gettysburg College. He was first employed by Alan Wood Steel Company, in sales, for 13 years and later worked for Ferally Corporation and Chesapeake Finished Metals. He retired in 2007.

Merritt served in the U.S. Army, was an active member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Maple Glen, where he served on the vestry for several terms. His passions included golf at Old York Road Country Club, Penn State Football, the plight of the Manatee, and the history of the Civil War.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 20th at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at 10:30 am.  The church is located at 919 Tennis Ave., Maple Glen, the Rev. David S. Robinson will be officiating. Friends may greet the family at the church starting at 9:00 am.  Interment immediately following the service at Riverside Cemetery.

Merritt's lively spirit will live forever in all of us who were lucky enough to know him.

Merritt, Thanks for the fabulous memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Congestive Heart Failure Program
Abington Memorial Hospital
1200 Old York Rd, 5th Floor Toll Building
Abington PA 19001

or

Save the Manatee club http://www.SaveTheManatee.org 1-800-432-5646