Mervyn "Merv" Edwin Anderson, of Bluefield West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025. He was born September 12, 1935, in Bluefield, Virginia to late Audrey Juanita Sarver Anderson and special father figure, James "Jake" Staples. Merv grew up in Falls Mills, Virginia, graduated from Graham High School, and joined the United States Army. Once honorably discharged, he met his wife Marie, and they began their family. Shortly after, he opened his own grocery store called "Merv's Grocery." He also owned, and maintained, several rental properties, while maintaining a job with AEP. Merv was a dedicated worker and was awarded for never missing a day of work. Merv and his wife were avid golfers, enjoyed square dancing and spending summers at Smith Mountain Lake with his family. He was a member of Gideon's International and was also a Mason. He was very active with Falls Mills Methodist Church and Bluefield First Church of Nazarene lending a helping hand wherever he could. Merv was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and the most amazing grandfather anyone could ask for.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marie; son, Darryl Lee Anderson; brother, Ardis "Andy" Anderson; granddaughter, Jessica Elizabeth Smith; and best friend, Cuzzie Mathena.

Those left to carry on his memory include his children; Deborah "Debbie" Johnson, Donna Dillon, and Jerry Wayne Smith; grandchildren include; Erica Rae Hardwick, Jeremy Lee Anderson (Chelsea), Jamie Diane Crockett (Rusty), Lauren Marie Anderson (Justin), Jasmine Smith, and Justin Charles Smith; great grandchildren, Cassidy Marie and Cohen Anderson, Kyleigh Beth Crockett, Dixie Rae Anderson, and Sonora Kathryn Baker; best friend, Will Mathena and the best neighbors anyone could ask for, John and Rhonda Aliff.

The family will have a graveside service with military honors on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Princeton, West Virginia. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m.