MERRILL, Raymond F. 1920-2002

MERRILL, DEITZMAN, JOHNSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/25/2009 at 13:14:39

Raymond F. Merrill, 81, of 1000 Terrace Rd. Apt. #42, Charles City, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, with Rev. Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Interment was at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, with full military rites.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Raymond F. Merrill Memorial Fund.

Raymond F. Merrill was born Nov. 25, 1920, at Woodland, Wa., the son of Floyd and Clara (Deitzman) Merrill. Raymond joined the Army on Aug. 20, 1942, in Camp Dodge, and served in the European Theater during WWII, receiving an honorable discharge at Camp Gruber, Okla. on Sept. 26, 1945.

Raymond was united in marriage to Evelyn Johnson on Aug. 2, 1945, in Plattsmouth, Neb. To this union they had seven children. Raymond worked for Salsbury Chemicals for thirty years, then retiring in 1980. Raymond was a lifetime member of the VFW of Charles City, a member of the Military Order of Cooties, served on the VFW honor squad, a Charter Member of the Amvets, a scout leader for 26 years, and was a member of Floyd County Sheriff's Reserve.

Raymond enjoyed going up North to fish at the Beaver Dam Lodge in Minnesota, woodworking, and traveling. Raymond loved spending time with family. He had a friendly handshake and smile. Raymond will be missed by family and friends.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of Charles City; seven children, Linda LaBarge, of Bellevue, Judy and her husband, Art Ernst, of Charles City, David and his wife, Debbie, of Mt. Vernon, James and his wife Coleen, of Independence, Mo., Steven and his wife, Penny, of Charles City, Mark and his wife, Angie, of Kansas City, Mo., and Jon Merrill, of Charles City; 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, and six brothers.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.