Howard F. Merwin

Howard F. Merwin passed away peacefully at home after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 1, 1931, to the late John and Hazel (Owens) Merwin in the town of Conesville, NY. He graduated from Gilboa Conesville School and was running the family farm in Conesville on Bull Hill Road. He married the love of his life Margaret "Peggy" (Place) on November 1, 1959. Then they moved to the place he called home for almost 60 years on Gardnersville Road in Cobleskill, NY in the Town of Seward.

Howard "retired" from farming in 1999 and in 2008 the farm was brought back to life when his daughter, Wendy and son-in-law, Ernie started milking cows again. Much to his delight.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Peggy on December 17, 2021. He was also predeceased by several siblings: Grant Jr (Nelva) of NJ, Dorothy (Charlie) Weaver, Yvonne "Bonnie" (Rodney) German of Grand Gorge, Ronald (JoEllen) Schermerhorn of Lexington, Loretta (Herbert) Wright of NC, Charlotte (Russell) Garrison, Ernestine (Nick) Bier of Acra, Alta (Floyd) Weis of Seward and his stepfather Grant Schermerhorn Sr.

Survivors include his daughters: Karen (Billy)Tucker of Sharon Springs, Wendy (Ernie) Ouellette of Sharon Springs; brother Robert (Denise) Schermerhorn of Seward; grandchildren: Elizabeth Tucker of NC, TJ(Marissa)Hoose of Richfield Springs, Alicia (Rob) Maniotis of NC, Wesley Tucker of Roseboom, Greg (Shannon Sears) Ouellette of Sharon Springs, and Daniel (April Tewilliger) Ouellette of Sharon Springs. He also had six great grandchildren: Avery, Declan, Ansilie, and Braxton Hoose and Oliver and Isabell Maniotis.

Howard was loved by so many. He always had a smile for anyone at any time. He touched and shaped so many little lives. He loved children and told us that he would have been a coach if his love for farming hadn't run so deep. And that was evident in every young person that was lucky enough to have spent time with him.

Howard was a kind, patient man who worked hard all of his life but also found the time to build memories with his family. His laughter, love, kindness, commitment to his family and his strong connection with God will ensure his place in heaven right next to the love of his life, Peggy. He taught so many things to his nephews about hard work and the meaning of family as they spent their summers working with him on the farm. It shaped them into the wonderful people they are today.

He would do anything for anyone if he was able.

Howard enjoyed hunting and in his later years just enjoyed everyone being at the farm and all of the chaos, laughter, and stories hunting season brought.

Holding a special place in his heart is his grandson Gregory who passed on the farming blood. He helped guide Greg into becoming the next generation of great farmers.

A special thank you to everyone that helped take care him in his final days.

Services will be at Mereness Putnum Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY on June 6th, 2025. A short service will be from 4:30-5 pm followed by a visitation period from 5-7 pm.

Contributions in memory of Howard F. Merwin may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187 or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY13820.