Merle C. Zinn

Merle C. Zinn, 84, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Thursday, December 25, 2025, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital.

He was born on August 24, 1941, in Carlisle, a son of the late Clarence and Pauline (Stone) Zinn. Merle was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, enlisting on March 7, 1960, and honorably discharged on March 6, 1963.

After his military service, Merle worked at the former AMP Inc., in Carlisle. He then went into business for himself for many years installing flooring and then transitioned into logging, forming a partnership with his brother for a period of time. After retiring from the logging business full time, Merle drove for Rabbit Transit, but also still enjoyed taking on small tree service jobs, as that was his true career passion.

He was a member of the South Newton Volunteer Fire Company and the Middlesex U.M.C. In his free time he was a life-long outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed being outdoors as much as he possibly could.

Merle is survived by his son, Scott Zinn and wife Marilyn of Newburg; his daughter, Amy Welsh and husband Jerry of Arizona; his step-daughter, Katrina L. Brown and husband Stephen of Mt. Wolf; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four siblings, Garnet Zinn and wife Marianne of Shippensburg; Brenda Kay Sigler of Newburg; Nina Zinn of Newville; and Lois West and husband Tom of Newville; his first wife, Joyce (George) Zinn of Newville; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his second wife, Rose E. (Varner) Zinn, who died on February 20, 2020; and three brothers, Kenneth, Mark, and Blevins Zinn.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Newville Church of the Brethren. Pastor John Hess will officiate. Interment will be in the Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle at a future date and time. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Friday morning, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Newton Volunteer Fire Company at 16 Fire House Road, Walnut Bottom, PA 17266.