Brian P. Merren Obituary (1953 - 2015)

Brian Paul Merren, age 61, of Saugatuck, formerly of Greenville, passed away Friday, September 4, 2015 at Mercy Health-St. Mary's in Grand Rapids surrounded by his family. The son of Milton B. & Frances Mae (Silverthorne) Merren, he was born on November 23, 1953 in Greenville. Although born with disabilities, Brian lived a life full of joy and love and enjoyed riding in the car, swimming, bingo, Scooby-Doo, and animals... especially deer and dogs. After his mother died, he made his home with his brother, David, in Saugatuck and delighted in time spent with his friends at Evergreen Commons Day Care Center in Holland. He was preceded in death by his father, Milton B. Merren on January 9, 1981; his mother, Frances M. Merren on December 25, 2012; two sisters, Katherine Merren and Elizabeth Merren; two sisters-in-law, Diane A. Merren, and Evelyn Merren; two brothers-in-law, Cid Jasso and Lewis Barnes; two nephews, Bernie Merren and Tom Keeler; and a niece, Kristina Anaka. Surviving are his brothers and sisters, Milton B. "Bud" Merren, Jr. of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Joan & Dale Keeler, Terry Merren, all of Greenville, Marc & Colleen Merren of Belding, Margaret Barnes of Greenville, Dave Merren of Saugatuck, Mike & Linda Merren, and Carol Jasso, all of Greenville; over 100 nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews; two aunts, Virginia Lincoln and Marjorie Ingersoll; two uncles, Harry Silverthorne and Ethan Silverthorne, all of Greenville; and many, many cousins. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.on Wednesday at St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Father Michael F. Cilibraise presiding. Committal rites will follow at Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Brian's memory to Evergreen Commons Day Care Center in Holland. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To send a message of sympathy, sign Brian's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com