John Leon Merica, 72, of Elkton, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008.

He was born in Page County on Nov. 1, 1935, and was the son of the late John Henry and Jessie Lee Meadows Merica. He was also preceded in death by one son, Andy Clinton Merica Sr., and one grandson, Timothy Gaylon-Leon Warner.

Leon retired in January 2008 as a crane operator for Shirley Contracting Co., LLC in Lorton, Va., but worked 45 years for Moore Brother’s Construction in Verona and Richard Stepp Salvage Yard part time for a number of years. He was a member of Avis O. Comer VFW Post 8613, Shenandoah Moose Lodge 2176, Elkton Eagles, N.R.A., Elkton Jr. Order 1190, Furnace United Methodist Church Congregation and F.U.M.C. Men’s Group and sang in the Choir. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

He was devoted to his wife, children and family. Leon loved to fellowship with family and friends and never met a stranger. He was proud of his heritage and always bragged on his numerous grandchildren.

On June 15, 1960, he married Marie Katherine Meadows, who survives. He is also survived by four daughters, Teresa “Terry” Merica and fiancé, Jeff Morris, Frances “Sissy” Hensley and husband, Neil, Jaime Shifflett and husband, Shannon, all of Elkton, and Tina Warner and husband, Doug, of Grottoes; two sons, Keith Merica and wife, Terri, and Calvin “C.J.” Merica and wife, Tanya, both of Elkton; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three brothers, Eugene Kenneth Merica, Melvin Ray Merica, Roy Dale (Buddy) Merica, all of Elkton; five sisters, JoAnn (Judy) Dovel, Margie Lee Dean, Phyllis Jean (Dee) Breeden, Linda Faye Eppard, Delores Juanita (Debbie) Hensley, all of Elkton.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at the Furnace United Methodist Church near Elkton with the Rev. Nona F. Allen and the Rev. Michael Plasters officiating. Burial will follow in the Elk Run Cemetery in Elkton.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Friends may also call at the Merica home at any time.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Elkton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 152, Elkton, VA 22827.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kygers.com.

	1. 26-08-2008 07:54
	Marie and famil    I don\'t know if the sign in the front of the church was put there in Leon\'s memory or it was just a coincidence but I think we can all say it was his testimony (Heaven, a prepared place for prepared people). How appropriate to be on our church sign this week! God Bless each of you! and Tina I am sending a special hug from Courtney.

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	2. 26-08-2008 08:46
	Marie and children,  Leon was a wonderful person I know he was a great father,husband and grandad...But he was also a great uncle and brother,Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .God Bless You All, Leon will sureley be missed........  love niece michelle   (Niecee) and   family

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	3. 26-08-2008 09:23
	Tina and family, Sorry to hear of the loss of your father and Addisons grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

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	4. 26-08-2008 10:07
	Jamie & Family,  You are all in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything just let us know. Your dad was a great person I know he will missed by all. Take care...    Derik & Missy & Family

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	5. 26-08-2008 13:45
	CJ & Family  I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Timmy, Jessica and Sara Monger

	6. 26-08-2008 14:42
	Marie & Family I grew up and lived most of my life out on the creek and have known Leon ever sinse I was a kid.I sure hate to hear he is gone, but I'm sure he is in a better place. He was a fine,fine person.

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	7. 26-08-2008 16:32
	Sissy & Family, We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May God strengthen you and bring you peace during this sad time.

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	8. 27-08-2008 04:07
	Margie & Family,   We are sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts and prayers will be with you. We are here for you when you need anything.

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	9. 27-08-2008 10:05
	JoAnn & Dee,  My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. May God attend to your every need.

Byron Jones - Milwaukee, WI

	10. 27-08-2008 10:39
	May God comfort and keep you safe by his side during the loss of your father. Always remember ,as long as you have his memories your Father will live forever in your hearts.    Theresa & Sarah Shifflett

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