Merle Nolan Hancock

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[He was born Oct. 19, 1920, in Saline County, the son of John C. and Augusta Dixon Hancock. He was the last of 11 children.

Merle joined the Navy during World War II and was a flight engineer. After leaving the service, he became a brick mason, working for many years in New Orleans, La., before retiring back to Harrisburg. Merle was an expert metal engraver of guns and other items.

Merle is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Earl (Ruby) Hancock of Indiana; 18 nieces and nephews; and a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; also a longtime friend, Don Duncan of Benton and two very close friends from the Harrisburg Medical Center, Djuana Vineyard and Gathy Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters, Arlin Stiff, Anna Hull, Oma Cole, Geneva Shelton, Blanche Davidson, Reba Darries and Lois Humphrey; and three brothers, Charles Hancock, Thomas Hancock and Earl Hancock.

Graveside services preceded burial at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, at Langford Cemetery. There was no visitation. Those attending were asked to meet at the cemetery. The J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg was in charge of the arrangements.