Obituary of Shaun D. Merwin

Shaun David Merwin, 49, of Dowagiac, passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Shaun was born on November 22, 1960 to David and Millicent (Barefoot) Merwin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was one of four children in the Merwin household. After school Shaun attended Southwestern Michigan College where he earned his Associates Degree in Business Management. Shaun worked at National Copper where he was a jack of all trades. He did everything in the factory including, shipping and receiving, line work and even being an inspector. Shaun was the Jr. Vice Commander of the American Legion in Dowagiac and also the Guide and Legal Officer of the UAW Local 1218. On August 23, 1997 Shaun wed the love of his life, Cheryl "Sheri" Taggart. He is survived by his wife Sheri Merwin of Dowagiac, parents David and Millicent Merwin of Dowagiac, daughter Kristi (Thomas) Gillespie of Ray City, Georgia, grandson Ethan, siblings Debra (George) Picard of Rapid City, South Dakota, Alison (Michael) Tomasi of Carteret, New Jersey and Mark (Shannon) Merwin of Nolanville, Texas, aunts Celia Harrington of Dowagiac, Jane Ferrier of Dowagiac, Marie Merwin of Dowagiac, Nancy Hudson of Daytona Beach, Florida and Pat (John) Hodge of Western Australia and Uncles Dan (Claudette) Merwin of Dowagiac and Bill (Judy) Merwin of Dowagiac. The family will be holding a private graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac but invite all of their friends and family to come celebrate Shaun's amazing life with them at the VFW in Dowagiac on Monday, September 27, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. Donations in Shaun's memory may be made to Lakeland Hospice or Cass County Cancer Services, both who were a help to Shaun and his family.