Merle Fay Groff

Merle Fay Groff, former Crawford County civil defense director, died at City Hospital Sunday night, May 16, 1965, after a short illness.

Mr. Groff had the distinction of holding the longest term as CD director in the state with 12 years continuous service.  He retired in 1962.  A retired reserve army captain, Mr. Groff and his wife, the former Mabel Earll, whom he married in 1919, resided in Meadville for the past 22 years.

He was a son of Bertram and Birdina Luse Groff.  Before becoming CD director, Mr. Groff worked in the accounting department of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and was a sales engineer with several hardware and service firms.  He was a graduate of Wooster University.

A member of Stone Methodist Church, Mr Groff was active in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Crawford Lodge 234, Royal Arch Chapter 191; Timothy Alden Council 60; Northwestern Commandery 25; Coudersport Scottish Rite Bodies, Zem Zem Shrine Temple and Charles Stafford American Legion Post 111.

He served in both World Wars, as a sergeant in World War I and a captain in World War II.

Survivors, in addition to his widow, include a sister, Mrs. Robert White of Holts Summit, MO and a brother, Roy Groff of Barberton, OH.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Greendale Cemetery.