Bernie Merrow

MERROW, Bernie Vernell - age 83, of Flint, went to be with his Lord and Savior November 18, 2020. Services will be held 6 PM Monday, November 23, 2020 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Leroy Cole officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 PM - 6 PM Monday at the funeral home. Bernie was born June 7, 1937 in Flint, the son of Robert Lee and Minnie Lou (Throgmorton) Merrow. He married Marylon Jean Arnold on August 9, 1958. Bernie spent most of his life as a resident of Genesee County, growing up in Swartz Creek. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1955. During his senior year he was a finalist for the Flint Board of Realtors Model Home Building Contest showing an obvious talent for construction and design. Bernie owned and operated B.V. Merrow Construction Company for over 30 years building dozens of churches around Michigan and Ohio. Bernie made a habit of employing college students from his church during the summer months to assist them through seminary school. Today several are serving as pastors and chaplains throughout the country. Bernie had a love of service to others. He spent several years as a volunteer firefighter and served as the Swartz Creek fire chief. His love of fire fighting equipment led him to own three antique fire trucks which he was proud to show off and use for the enjoyment of others. He also enjoyed the hobby of model railroading. A couple of Bernie‘s mottos in life were "go big or don’t go at all", "there’s always a better way to do something" and "if you want something done right do it yourself". Bernie was fearless and a man of integrity. But at his core he had a soft loving heart and would do anything for his family. His greatest joy in life were his "grands" and his "great-grands". Surviving are: wife, Marylon of Flint; daughter, Karen Merrow of Grand Blanc; two sons, Keith (Robyn) Merrow of Howell and Kenneth (Michelle) Merrow of Goodrich; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Amber, Timothy, Jessica, Sarah, Hannah, and Christian; two great-grandchildren, Amy and Cole; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; four brothers, Robert, Leonard, Dossie, and Victor; three sisters, Mildred, Goldie, and Ruby. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation ( https://tunnel2towers.org/ ). Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.