Pastor A. Merrill Dence

Pastor A. Merrill Dence, 88, of Silver Spring Twp., Mechanicsburg, died Thursday, September 25, 2014, at Manor Care, Carlisle.
Merrill graduated from Practical Bible College, Johnson City, NY. In his young adult life, he was a traveling evangelist along with several pastor friends. Merrill conducted tent meetings during the Billy Graham era and he used his amazing musical talent throughout his life for God’s glory to reach souls for Christ. He had a remarkable tenor voice and never missed a note well into his eighties. He played the piano, organ, trombone and accordion.
He had served as the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Liberty, NY, and had an integral part in the Days of Decision Bible Conference and then later became the music pastor at Bible Baptist Church of Shiremanstown, where he became known for conducting many live cantatas. Following his ministry at Bible Baptist Church, he became the music pastor at The Open Door Church, Chambersburg. After retiring, he continued to use his musical ability and gifts as a lay person at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg. Born on July 9th, 1926, in Cortland, NY, he was the son of the late Alfred A. and Edna R. (Seibert) Dence.
Surviving are his wife, Laura E. (Craig) Dence; a son, David M. (Patricia J.) of Carlisle; a brother, David D. (Ann) of South Westerlo, NY.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM in Emanuel Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg, with Senior Pastor Steve Crews officiating. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, Lower Allen Twp.
Viewing will be held at the church on Tuesday from 10 – 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are respectfully requested to Emanuel Baptist Church (http://www.ebc-ebca.org), 4681 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.Parthemore.com.