Merrill M. Derstine , 91, of Harleysville, PA; formerly of Souderton, PA went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Merrill was the loving husband of the late Jean Langenwalter for 25 years and Nancy Jane (Compton) Derstine for 37 years. He was born in Souderton, PA to Abram D. Derstine and the late Ruth (Landis) Derstine.

Merrill graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in Lancaster, PA, class of 1950. He served in I-W for two years at General Rose Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Throughout his working lifetime, he was a self-employed carpenter doing business as Derstine Woodworking-Wood Artisan of Harleysville.

Merrill formerly attended Souderton Mennonite Church, Perkasie Mennonite Church, and Plains Mennonite Church. He currently attended Souderton Mennonite Church.

Merrill regularly attended Celebrate Recovery in Franconia where he found fulfillment as a mentor. He enjoyed his breakfast groups and writing personal and historical memoirs of his life experiences. He was an avid reader of religious, philosophical, and theological books. He also enjoyed making artistic wood creations. He was a fine singer and taught himself the piano.

Merrill was hardworking, honest, very artistic and creative. He loved the Lord and read Scripture daily. He was always very reflective, loved conversation, and was a great listener.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his nine children: Alonna Smith & husband, Eric of Albuquerque, NM, Rebecca Esch & husband, Donald of Newton, KS, Deborah Parent & husband, Richard of Hazleton, PA, Timothy Derstine & wife, Rosita of Lemont, PA, Sarah Epp & husband, Curt of Lincoln, NE, Regina Overton & husband, Arlie of Marion, KS, Benjamin Derstine of State College, PA, Elizabeth Derstine of Harleysville, PA, Richard Derstine & wife, Tammy of Pottstown, PA; his 16 grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; his eight siblings, Frances Derstine of Phoenix, AZ, Geraldine Sell of Lititz, PA, Gerald Derstine & wife, Gisela of Souderton, PA, Abram Derstine of Telford, PA, Mark Derstine & wife, Carolyn of Telford, PA, Marlin Derstine of Barto, PA, Kenton Derstine & wife, Rhoda of Harrisonburg, VA, Ruth Ann Eng & husband, Ken of Smithville, OH; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Derstine of Bally, PA.

In addition to his parents and 1st wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Derstine and his two sisters, Eleanor Schwenk & Anne Bergey.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Souderton Mennonite Church, 105 W. Chestnut St., Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend and can be accessed at https://boxcast.tv/channel/nn99auk9gciy8frlauw5 .

Inurnment will take place at Souderton Mennonite Church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Living Branches Foundation, Souderton Mennonite Agape Fund, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 or to Franconia Mennonite Church designated for Celebrate Recovery, 613 Harleysville Pike, Telford, PA 18969.

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com .