“Joe” passed away at his home in Oak Harbor on June 29, 2014, at the age of 98. He was born on April 5, 1916, in Berwick, Pa., to Howard and Mayme Merrion.

Joe received his BS and MS degrees in bacteriology from Bucknell University (1938) in Lewisburg, Pa. After three years of teaching at Keystone College in LaPlume, Pa., he joined Wyeth Pharmaceutical Laboratories in Philadelphia, where he spent the rest of his “work career.” He was known for his work developing penicillin into the injection form for fighting infections for our troops in WWII.

Joe had many “outside work” hobbies. He grew orchids for years and brought home many awards and trophies from the Philadelphia Flower Show, as well as others. He became a pilot, along with his wife Virginia (married 1963), and they spent many hours in the sky.

Woodworking became another skill that Joe mastered. Many friends and family are proud to own his spice chests, clocks, tables, hutches and bookcases.

Upon retiring from Wyeth Laboratories in 1981, Joe and Virginia moved from Malvern, Pa., to Virginia’s (Quinn) hometown of Hancock, N.H. Here they built a lovely home on Norway Hill and established the Hilltop Tree Farm, a favorite place for families to come and cut their own Christmas trees.

In 1996, the Merrions moved to Oak Harbor to be near daughter Linda and her husband, John McNamara. Besides his wife, Virginia, and his daughter, Linda, Joe is also survived by his son James (wife Jean) of Ft. Pierce, Fla.

There will be a private celebration of Joe’s life at a later date. Remembrances for Joe may be made to Whidbey General Hospital.