John Merrbaugh

John R. Merrbaugh Jr., 91, of Lonaconing MD, passed away on February 28, 2022 at Sterling Care Nursing Home, Frostburg, MD.

Born in Lonaconing, MD to John and Barbara Merrbaugh, he was the youngest of his family.  Growing up, John attended Central High School, and served in the Army motor pool for two years after graduation where his passion for automobiles blossomed.  John was a natural with machinery, rebuilding carburetors, fixing engines, and doing body work.  One of John’s favorite things was to work in his garage fixing up antique cars.  He had a fondness for Austin, Bantam and Crosleys, but also restored a Chevy pickup and WW2-era Jeep with the love and care of a true craftsman.

John made a career working on machinery in the maintenance department at Westvaco for over 30 years, retiring in 1991.  For the next 20 years, John worked and volunteered at Dans Mountain State park, combining his enjoyment of nature with his talent as a mechanic at their workshop.

John met the love of his life, Joann McCullough in 1963 while bowling with mutual friends.  Their relationship blossomed and endured for 57 years with two daughters, Johnna Byers and Jill Barth.  He will always be celebrated as a kind, dependable father and grandfather, as for John, family was always the most important part of his life.

In addition to Joann, Johnna, and Jill, John is survived by his brother in-law David McCullough and his wife Montse of Meridian, Idaho.  Son-in-laws Bill Byers, Cumberland and Mike Barth, Lonaconing.  Grandchildren James Byers and fiancé Autumn Smith, Ellicott City, MD, Alexander Byers, Cumberland, Savannah Barth, Julia Barth, and Callie Barth, Lonaconing.  Niece Barbara Ann Knippenberg, nephew Frank “Bucky” Bennett, and special granddaughter Paula Brackett.

He was preceded in passing by his sisters Marie Merrbaugh, Lila Mowbray, and Annetta Bean.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 4, 2022 from Noon-1:00PM at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Thomas Morgan officiating.

At the request of the family masks are suggested.

John’s family would like to recognize the wonderful caregivers that helped him during his last weeks, particularly Dr. Shafiei, the Emergency Department and Progressive Care Unit at UPMC Western Maryland, and his favorite GNA, Tricia and the staff at Sterling Care Nursing Home that provided such compassionate care.