Ernest Merritt

Mr. Ernest D. Merritt, age 79, of Greenville, formerly of Grand Rapids and Lincoln Lake, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 2008 at his home under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The son of George A. & Lula Rose (Biggs) Merritt, he was born on Sept. 5, 1928 in Grant. Ernie retired from McInerney Spring and Wire Company in Grand Rapids, where he was a member of the United Auto Workers union. A skilled woodworker and carpenter, he also enjoyed fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Doug Merritt; five brothers and sister, Ralph, Clara, Chuck, Bill, George, and Frank; three step-sons, Bobbie Dann, Dennis R. Dann, and Richard E. Dann. Surviving are his wife, Loretta Merritt of Greenville; his children, Gordon & Deb Merritt of Sparta, Margaret & Tom Hommerson of Newaygo, Ernie & Sandy Merritt of Comstock Park, Dennis & Diana Merritt of Pierson, Kevin Merritt and Michael Merritt, both of Sand Lake, and Karen & Irvin Carpenter of Howard City; his step-children, Clayton Pete & Marion Minzey of Greenville, Pamela & Terry Bailey of Gowen, Lillian & Stephen Lessard of Greenville, and Sherry & Gene Fare of Langston; a sister, Nina Jordan of Howard City; a brother and three sisters-in-law, Vander & Mary Merritt of Cedar Springs, Lorraine Merritt of Grand Rapids, and Ruth Merritt of Newaygo; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008 from the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, with the Rev. Tim Deshaw of the Greenville Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Mills Cemetery, near Lincoln Lake, in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest Merritt, please visit our flower store.