Edwin Oliphant "Pat" Margerum, 87, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after a brief hospitalization in Lancaster. Born March 24, 1938, in Trenton, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Clarence E. and Marjorie Willitts Margerum. He grew up on the family farm near Crosswicks, NJ, attended Bordentown Military Institute, and graduated from William MacFarland High School, where he served as senior class president in 1956. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Rutgers University in 1960, where he belonged to the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and rowed on the university's varsity 8 men's crew team. After college, Edwin joined the U.S. Navy and completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He married Lynda M. Myers of Chesterfield, NJ, on December 30, 1961, in a ceremony officiated by Dr. Tony Campolo. The newlyweds quickly left for Bahrain in the Persian Gulf, where Lt. JG Margerum was stationed and where their first son was born. He was later stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1964, Edwin began his career with Sperry New Holland as a design engineer, settling with his family in Paradise, Pennsylvania. He was a dedicated member of Leacock Presbyterian Church for 60 years, he served as Trustee, Deacon, and Head Usher. He was also active in a number of organizations, including the Christiana Masonic Lodge #417 where he attained the 32nd Degree; the South Park Hunting Club of Tabernacle, NJ; the Paradise Sportsmen's Club; the Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Society; and the Pequea Valley School Board from 1985-1993. Over his decades with Sperry (later Ford) New Holland, Edwin was awarded nine patents for his contributions to their Twin Rotor combine and round balers. His work took him across the globe – to Australia, South Africa, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, field testing combines and round balers. Following his retirement in 1998, he continued to serve his community as a board member of the N. Milton Woods Home, as treasurer of the Paradise Presbyterian Cemetery Association, and by delivering Meals on Wheels. Edwin cherished time with his family, gardening, restoring and maintaining AMC cars, his beloved 1982 Ford F100, hosting Christmas gatherings, and vacationing at Long Beach Island, NJ, as well as Morehead City, NC. In 2024, he and Lynda remarried after 35 years apart. They moved to Willow Valley Communities in November 2024. He is survived by his wife, Lynda; sons Allen E. (Casi) of Manheim, PA, Bryan S. (Anita) of Wyncote, PA, and Clayton T. of Lancaster, PA; ten grandchildren; and a niece, Diane (Paul) Halaycio, of East Hampton, NJ.

A funeral service will take place from Leacock Presbyterian Church, 3181 Lincoln Hwy E. Paradise, PA on Saturday, November 29th at 12 pm with a viewing from 11am until the time of service.