Burdette L. "Bud" MERRELL

Burdette Lewis “Bud” MERRELL, 84, of Olean, NY, formerly of Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Eden Heights, Olean.  

Born July 26, 1939, in Nunda, he was the first born of seven children of Clarence and Pearl Buffum Merrell.  On June 4, 1960, in Rochester, he married Clara Anne Gerew, who predeceased him on December 20, 2022.  A U.S. Navy Veteran, he served honorably as a hospital corpsman from 1956 – 1959.  

He was employed by Wellsville Central School for many years, retiring in 1995.  Bud also worked as a farmer for many years.  Active in his community, he served on the Bolivar-Richburg Central School Board for four years, oversaw the Bolivar Food Pantry for eight years, and served on the Bolivar Fire Commission.  He coached youth sports, football, softball, baseball, and basketball, for many years in Avon, Wellsville, and Bolivar.  In his later years, he spent much of his time fishing, watching high school sports, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his cat, Pussycat.  Bud was a member of Riverside Assembly of God in Wellsville.  He resided at Eden Heights in Olean, where the staff became a second family to him.  

Surviving are: ten children, Burdette L. (Ellen) Merrell, Jr. of Perry, George W. (Louise) Merrell of Cuba, Kimberly Ann (James) DeGroff of Bolivar, Tina M. (Rex) Francisco of Scio, Michael J. (Vonda) Merrell of Niagara Falls, Linda M. (Dana) Harris of Wellsville, Clarence E. (Marsha) Merrell of Lima, Pauleen M. (Rory) Dudley of Bolivar, Richard James Merrell of Lexington Park, MD, and Sandra J. (Brian) Brizzee of Wellsville; 77 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; three siblings, George “Coach” (Pauline) Merrell, Arliss (Lynn) Merrell, and Howard Merrell; many nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Keith (Cheryl) Merrell of Bergen, who was like a son.  In addition to his beloved wife, Clara, he was predeceased by a daughter, Sharon M. Merrell; four grandsons, Kristopher R. Francisco, Michael Witter,  Zachary Keller, and Nicholas R. Garrey; a sister, Sandra Egan; and two brothers, Allan Merrell and David Merrell.  

Friends may call at Riverside Assembly of God, 3218 Riverside Drive, Wellsville on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. John Francisco and Rev. Rory Dudley will co-officiate.  Military Rites will be accorded by members of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 Honor Guard.  

Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery on a later date.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eden Heights Activities Department.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.