Washington - John Edwin Merner, called Jack by everyone who knew and loved him, died at the age of 102 at his home in Seattle on December 11, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 17,1920 in Everett Washington, the son and first child of Arthur and Bertha (Blem) Merner.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Tucker Merner (Betty) as well as by siblings Mary Claymore, Jim Merner and his wife Carol, Betty Chamberline and her husband Don, and Dave Merner, and by sister- and brother-in-law Phyllis and Bill Jahnke. Surviving him are daughters Leslie Merner Duke and Sarah Merner, Son-in-law Craig McKibben and grandchildren Nathan Duke, Eli Duke, Hannah Duke, Gavin McKibben and wife Lillian Bailey, Andrew McKibben and wife Jasmine Gervais, Fiona McKibben and husband Jamie Mackenzie, great-granddaughter Nico Silver, many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend and companion Ginna Owens.

Jack attended the University of Washington, and then Yale Divinity School, where he met and married Betty Tucker, of St. Paul, Minnesota. He worked for the YMCA in Seattle and Eugene, and as minister to churches in Madison Wisconsin, River Falls Wisconsin, Portland Oregon, and Roseburg Oregon. Jack lived a life of service, providing friendship and comfort to the communities he served.

After Betty's death in 2007, Jack moved to Seattle to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He found a home and many friends in the vibrant community of Exeter House, and then Fred Lind Manor, where, in his last months, weeks and days, he was cared for by the kind and loving caregivers he had come to know and love.

Jack loved reading and poetry; he loved to travel; he loved being around a lot of people, and added value to any group he was a part of; he loved New Yorker cartoons and good jokes; he loved good food, especially pie and cake and whipped cream; he loved to dance; he loved jazz and New Orleans; he loved his family and was never happier than when surrounded by his children and grandchildren; he loved good conversation that went below the surface.

Jack gave of himself generously to everyone he met.

As one friend remarked, he had the ability to be fully present with people. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held in Jack's honor on Friday, January 27 at 11am, at Seattle First Baptist Church. There will be a light lunch to follow. Please direct any contributions in Jack's honor to Yale Divinity School or to Seattle First Baptist Church.