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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Mervin Francis
Shreve
April 29, 1937 – May 30, 2024
Obituary
Mervin was born April 29, 1937 in Pine Township, Pennsylvania, son of the late Orville Shreve and Alma Shreve.
With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Mervin Shreve, a godly man whose spirit was both fiercely competitive and gently compassionate. “Merv” to his friends, Daddy and Papa to his family, took his rightful place in heaven on May 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, heartfelt compassion, and a family that adores him. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joy Shreve - who he affectionately called “Joy-Bell”, Anissa (Buffy) Kelley and her sons Micah and Caleb, Michael and Elaine Shreve and their children Josiah, Luke, Brandon, Zuri and Chelsey, Lori Kirkendall and her children Taylor and Marco (and baby Noah on the way) Cardenas, Abigail and Jackson Hunt, extended family and friends that are like family.
His competitive nature was legendary, whether he was on the golf course or playing games with his family (or making up games because absolutely everything could be made into a competition) - he played to win, but always with a wink and a grin that reminded us all that he cherished every moment…and loved to win.
Though quick to shed a tear at sentimental moments-a moving hymn, a touching prayer, a heartfelt movie, or even a few commercials-those tears were a testament to his genuine love for others. His heart was as open and warm as the good book he loved to read, overflowing with empathy and tenderness.
Consistency was Merv’s hallmark. From his morning and evening routines to his steadfast attendance at church every single time the church doors were open, to his constant support for family and friends, you could always count on him. His quiet acts of compassion spoke volumes-caring for the less fortunate, feeding the homeless (even sneaking one into the basement for the night - but that only happened once), bringing many from the Home for Children into his home and making them our family, and shining the light of Christ to those who needed it most.
While he was a man of few words, his leadership and drive were unquestioned. He was the first in his family to graduate high school and later college. Merv went on to do graduate studies at Harvard Business School and received his MBA from Geroge Washington University. He retired at the highest level for a civilian employee in the Department of the Navy without being a political appointee. He also received the highest honor a civilian can receive from the Navy, and had a flag flown over the US Capital in his honor.
Since making Charleston their home in 1988, Mervin and Joy have enjoyed so many wonderful friends. To all friends from Virgina, Maryland, DC, and here locally in Charleston, Joy and her family say thank you for your love and support.
Rest well. You were a man of God, a competitor, a crier, a caretaker, and a quiet force of compassion. You will be dearly missed, but your memory will live on in all who knew and loved you.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com
Services
Visitation
J Henry Stuhr Northwoods
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Funeral Service
J Henry Stuhr Northwoods
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Burial
Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Mervin Francis Shreve's Guestbook
Visits: 193
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