Merle E. Shellatree, 74, of Venango Township died at 5:28 a.m. Monday at Grove City Medical Center after an illness.

Born Nov. 15, 1931, in Eastbrook, Lawrence County, he was the son of Ray and Hazel McConnell Shellatree.

He was a Protestant.

Mr. Shellatree worked in coal mining all his adult life, and in his last position, he was a tipple operator with the Black Fox Mining Co.

Surviving are his wife, Esther Rader Shellatree, whom he married Oct. 12, 1962; three daughters, Mrs. Richard (Amy) Bailey of Hilliards, Mrs. James (Esther) Borchert of Parker and Mrs. John (Betty) Reese of Eau Claire; and a sister, Velma Amuster of Muddy Creek Township.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

<B>SHELLATREE </B>— Friends of Merle E. Shellatree, who died Monday, Oct. 30, 2006, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at <B>H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home</B>, Main Street, Route 38, Eau Claire. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Eau Claire Cemetery.Information also is available at www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.