Mearle H. Jay, 93, formerly of Corry, Pa., died Monday, March 5, 2018, at UPMC Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a retired elder who had served as a U.S. Navy chaplain and later as an Air Force chaplain.
He was born March 29, 1924, in Everett, Pa., a son of the late Earl S. and Mary Effie Clingerman Jay.
Mearle was raised and educated in New Castle, Pa., where he graduated from high school in 1942. He attended Waynesburg College graduating in 1948. He then attended Boston University School of Theology from 1948 to1952 and graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Thought Degree. In 1958, Mearle received his Masters Degree from Pittsburgh Seminary. He received his Teaching Certificate from Wright State University.
Mearle served with the US Army during WWII in the European Theater. He then became a military Chaplain and served seven years with the US Navy and then 20 years with the US Air Force, retiring in 1980. He moved to Corry in 1986.
Mearle was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Corry and enjoyed bowling and golfing.
In addition to his parents, Mearle was preceded in death on January 9, 2009 by his wife, Phyllis M. Ringer Jay, whom he married July 29, 1944 in New Castle, Pa.; five sisters, Carrie A. Shea, Vada R. Yagersky, Ethel O. Dennis, Edith M. Preisel and Helen E. Swogger; and three brothers, Arthur, Elbert and Guy Jay.
Mearle is survived by a daughter, Paula Lindsey of Corry, Pa.; two sons, Gary Jay and his wife Elainka of Glenshaw, Pa., and Lanny Jay and his wife Caroline of Troutman, N.C.; and two brothers, Elmer "Butch" Jay of Bessemer, Pa., and Gary Jay of Palm Beach, Fl.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Joshua Jay (Julie), Nathan Jay (Erin), Sarah Cummings (Chris), Kellie Miller (Jon), Corrine Lindsey, Carrie Biondi (Jason), and Kristen Behm (Dale); sixteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Bracken Funeral Home, 315 N. Center St., Corry, Pa., on Saturday from 11am until the time of the funeral service there at 12 noon. Rev. John Rough will officiate.
Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Corry, Pa.
Memorials may be made to the Rouse Home-Patient Care Fund, 701 Rouse Avenue, Youngsville, PA. 16371.
To sign the guest book or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com.