Merle "Hap" Hull, 87, of State College passed away Thursday, December 21, 2017.

Born September 17, 1930 in Fort Loudon, PA he was the son of the late Lester and Hazel (Sanders) Hull.

On September 3, 1950 he married the former Patricia L. Williams and embarked on a lifetime of love and happiness. She survives at home.

Hap and "Pat" were the owners of Hull's Floor Covering, a business that they ran together for 47 years, making it the longest independent floor covering business in the area. Their long time and dedicated employees, Gary Phillips and Louis McCarty, were like family and assisted with the business until Hap's death.

He was a member of the State College Christian Church.

In addition to his wife Pat, he is survived by one son, Ken Hull and daughter-in-law Claire Lorts of Boalsburg, one daughter, Kathy Hull-Schwab and son-in-law Scott Schwab of Pleasant Gap, and one sister, Donna Grove of Chambersburg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who adored him as "Uncle Hap."

Hap was preceded in death by his loving daughter Karen.

Private interment will be in Centre County Memorial Park.

Hap's personal life and business touched many people. He was very well respected by his customers and his peers in the trade. He was loved by his family, extended family, friends, and countless members of the community through his upbeat personality, kind heart, and positive outlook on life. In fact, his nickname "Hap" (originally Happy) was first given to him by his parents at a very young age because of his perpetually happy personality. And although he lived a very tough childhood, and lost his firstborn when she was only 19, he always had a smile on his face and a song on his lips. The highlight of his life was his 67 year marriage to his bride Pat. They shared the most loving and committed marriage one could ever hope for. He loved his children deeply and supported them in both word and deed. Never a harsh word came from his mouth towards his wife or children. He was an extremely good man.

A celebration of Hap's long and happy life will be announced in early spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2520 Green Tech Drive D, State College, PA 16803 and Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828.

A guest book may be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com