How are you doing today Merv?  GREAT, he'd say.  On the afternoon he passed away, I asked him, How are you doing today Merv?  GREAT; would you turn on FOX news (still following politics on his death bed),as he showed me how to use the remote. Merv was honest, kind-hearted, smart (loved to read), independent and strong willed.  He and Shirley loved people and both loved to entertain others; they loved their family and spoke of them always.  When I was a young child, my parents would take my brothers and me to their house often.  Merv and Shirley would give us silver dollars for our birthdays.  On occasion, they would invite me to their home to spend the day.  I remember one time they took me to a Lansing department store and told me to pick out anything in the store I wanted.  I was very timid, and I was sure everything was too expensive.  Finally they convinced me to tell them my choice:  green headband, with rhinestones on it.  With no hesitation, they made the purchase.  I was awestruck and wore that headband to school everyday.  Then I'd watch Shirley buy shoes, and more shoes, and more shoes.  She had more shoes than anyone I knew.  Merv would just watch her and laugh.  Then they moved away to Detroit, and we didn't see them as often.  In the late 1990's they returned to Lansing, and the visits began again.  We'll miss you Merv; America has lost another World War II veteran and a great patriot.

I'm sorry for the loss of your father. My late husband Vernon & I have known your mom & dad since the 60's. We would get together often to play cards & they were always invited to special occasions that occured in our family. I won't be attending his service but I just wanted to send my condolences.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You don't know me, but I am the sister of Debbie Osborn - Steiniger who also wrote a note of condolence. I would visit Merve and Shirley all the time in Novi with my parents back in the 60's and 70's (Vern and Thelma Osborn). I would love to hear the stories of their vacations out West and look at all those rocks! I remember how much they loved to play cards with my folks. I thought of them as an Aunt and Uncle as a kid. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to Merv's family. My family has been friends with Merv & Shirley for many many years. I spent a week with them back around '64, when I was about 10 yrs old. I remember they lived in a 2 story home at that time. Shirley & I would walk downtown because she hadn't learned to drive yet. My mom & dad, Vern & Thelma Osborn, got together with them often to play cards & when I was with them Merv would always let me look at his "rock" collection. I live near Dallas & the last time I saw either of them was at my dad's funeral in 1999. I'm sorry for your loss.

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Mervin J Greenier

May 12, 1927 – January 18, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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