Casper Merritt 1882-1952

MERRITT, WILSON, LARSON, ARP, CALEY, MCCAW

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/26/2017 at 11:17:27

13 November 1952 - The Clarence Sun

Casper Allen Merritt, son of William and Letitia Merritt, was born at Calamus, Iowa, on June 18, 1882. While working in his barber shop on Thursday afternoon, November 6th, 1952, he suffered a sudden and severe stroke, from which he never regained consciousness. He passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids on November 8, 1952, at the age of 70 years, 4 months and 20 days.

On September 30, 1900, Casper was married to Sadie Mae Wilson. To this union were born two sons, Wayne and Owen, both of whom have spent their lives in or near this community.

During his years in Clarence Casper made his contribution to community life by serving 5 years as fire chief, serving three terms on the Town Council, by acting as Justice of the Peace for 12 years, and as Special Deputy Sheriff for 25 years. He had lived in Clarence 41 years, following his chosen occupation as a barber. In his quiet way he went about his work, performing every duty with vigor and promptness. His long life and freedom from illness must have been due in part to strenuous exerceses which he imposed upon himself as a young man.

Casper was preceded in death by his parents and by two sisters, Florence and Nellie Merritt.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Sadie Merritt of Clarence; two sons, Wayne of Clarence, and Owen of Bennett; three sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Larson of Independence, Mrs. Gertrude Arp of Davenport, and Mrs. Winfield Caley of Parkersburg; 2 brothers, Carl of Downey, California, and Lee of Aerion, Iowa; 5 grandchildren, Glenn Merritt of Cedar Rapids, Ramona McCaw of Clarence, Lee Merritt of Clarence, and Dale and Duane Merritt of Bennett; 2 great-grandchildren Coleen and Mark Merritt of Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church on Monday, November 10th, 1952, at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. Arthur Holtry. In charge of the many floral offerings were Mrs. Henry Klatt and Mrs. Henry Von Muenster. The organ music was played by Mrs. Marvin Schilling. Pallbearers were Henry Klatt, Henry Von Muenster, Fred Bentrott, Walter Hartwig, Elmore Ruther and John Hunwardsen.

Interment was made in the Clarence Cemetery.

A tribute is here given written by one of Mr. Merritt's long-time friends:

"Cass" as he was familiarly called, ever existed a wholesome influence. He was always against lawlessness or dissipation in any form. Often he expressed fatherly words of counsel to young men who were inclined to be wild or reckless. When informed of their intentions he would say in his kindly way, "I don't think that is a good idea:, and then go on to point out the danger or folly of the contemplated act. His was a good stabilizing influence ever for good in this community.