Richard E. Merrill

Richard E. Merrill, Sr. 83, formerly from Catawba Island, Ohio and New Port Richey, Florida, died Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center in Hudson, FL. He was born April 8, 1924 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late LeRoy H. and Mildred (Donahue) Merrill. In 1949, he graduated from The University of Alabama with an Industrial and Operational Engineering degree. He married Jo Ann (Jackson) Merrill on May 6, 1950 and she preceded him in death on January 12, 2006. After a 31 year career with New Departure Hyatt, a Division of General Motors, he retired in 1986. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the 95th Infantry during World War II. Mr. Merrill was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he was active in many functions. He especially enjoyed the Methodist Mens Breakfast Group. He was a Lifetime Member (60+yrs.) of the American Legion Lodge 1286 in Lakewood, NY, and throughout his life, he continue d to play in and support the American Legion Hap Merrill Golf Tournament in Lakewood. He was a member of the Elks Club Lodge 1718 in Port Clinton. He was a former member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, and Catawba Island Club. His favorite hobbies were boating, fishing and golf. He was a wonderful husband, father, family man and truly loved his grandchildren and great grandson and will be missed by all. Surviving are his children: sons: Richard E. (Kathy) Merrill, Jr. of Flushing, MI; John J. (Tricia) Merrill, Sr. of Columbus, OH; daughters: Ann E. (Tim) Merrill Bash of Clayton, NC, Susan L. Merrill of Brooklyn, NY,; grandchildren: Tina Bash, Madeline Merrill, John Merrill, Jr., Dawn Bash; great grandson: Timothy R. Bash. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 12th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Port Clinton at 1:30 PM. Reverend Bruce Batchelor-Glader will officiate. Interment will be in Sunset Hills Cemetery, Lakewood, NY on April 14th, at 1:30 PM with Reverend Violet Davidson officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Port Clinton; Salvation Army- Port Clinton Chapter; American Heart Association; or the American Cancer Society. Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton is serving the family. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH