Francis H. Merritt, age 94, of Morral, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, March 16, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
On February 27, 1918, Francis was born in Marion County, one of five children of the late Garfield and Dora (May) Merritt.
He graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1937, and he had also attended a local agricultural school.
Just before the start of World War II, Francis was drafted to be of service in the U.S. Army. He served as an Army infantryman in the 186 Infantry Company C, who fought in the Pacific Theatre and had been stationed in New Guinea.
Upon his honorable discharge, Francis returned home to continue working on the family farm. Dedicated to the farm, he would have worked on the farm every day of his life until he died if he was able. He was proud to carry on the farming tradition of his father and grandfather, and honored that his son, Scott, is also carrying on their legacy.
After being introduced by mutual friends, Francis married Donna L. Merritt, on September 30, 1950, at the Trinity Baptist Church in Marion. They shared over fifty six years of marriage. She preceded him in death on the same day five years ago, March 16, 2007.
A man of faith, Francis had been a member of the Morral Baptist Church for many years until its closing, where he served as a deacon and treasurer. He then transferred his membership to the Fairpark Community Baptist Church. He had also been a member of the Grange for many years.
He will be dearly missed by his five children: Diane (Gary) Weaver of Marion, Scott Merritt of Morral, Robert Merritt of Marion, Chris Merritt of Texas, and Jerry (Kolette) Merritt of Bucyrus; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, Alvin (Betty) Merritt of Morral; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special family friend, David Masur of Marion.
In addition to his wife and parents, Francis was preceded in death by a son, Jay and three sisters: Clara Hinamon, Hazel Merritt, and Emma Radel.
The Merritt family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life well lived will also be held here on Wednesday at 10 a.m., with Rev. Kenneth Durtsche officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery in Brush Ridge.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marion General Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Francis’ family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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