Merle Laird Early, 76, of Kittanning died on Friday Jan. 13, 2017, at his residence.  He was born on July 30, 1940, in Goheenville to the late Thomas and Mable Early.  Merle lived in the area all his life. He was a salesman and mechanic, who operated his own business.  He was a member of Concord Presbyterian Church and New Bethlehem Lodge 522 F & AM.  Merle liked collecting coins, camping, cars, and his dog, ‘Jake.’  Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Thelma J. Early of Kittanning; son, Michael (Amy) Early of Kittanning; daughter, Carol Sue (Ben) Silk of Virginia Beach, Virginia; granddaughter, Jessica (Justin) Rosenberger of Erie; grandsons, Kyle Coral, Ty Coral, and Clayton Coral, all of Virginia Beach; sister, Esther (Bill) Sowers of Chesapeake, Virginia; and brother, Ronald (Marina) Early of Kittanning.  He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Seneca Cae Coral; brother, Wayne Early; and sister-in- Law, Janet Early.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at the Snyder Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning. Additional viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. David Murphy officiating. Interment will be in the Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery. 

 Service Information