Merlin R. Kister, 75, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of Lydia Ciliberti Kister, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage this past June. Born in Somerset, PA, he was the son of the late Clifford J, Sr., and Ruth Garlitz Kister. Merlin had spent his career in the food industry starting as production manager of Abbotts Dairies of Philadelphia and retiring as president of 3 Springs Water Co. in Laurel Run, PA. He was a 1963 graduate of Penn State University with a BS in Food and Dairy Science. While he was an avid outdoorsman with hobbies that included hunting for deer and turkey, his biggest love was to spend time with his family and grandchildren. When he wasn't at one of their sporting events, he could be found at Penn State football games or cheering for the Steelers on Sunday. In addition to his wife, Lydia, he is survived by his 4 children: Cindy married to Robert Sickler of Lancaster, Merlin D. married to Kathi Kister of Portland, OR, Steven R. married to Julie Kister of Allentown, and Shawn M. married to Linette Kister of Nottingham; and by his 9 grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Nicole, Ryan, Andrew, Ethan, Emily, Steven, and Laura. Services were private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Merlin's memory to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.