Merritt, Thomas (1932 - 2016)

MERRITT, HELLER, SCARBROUGH, PETERSON, COOL, OLSON

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 12/31/2016 at 16:45:20

Name of deceased: Thomas “Tom” Oliver Merritt

Aged: 84 yrs, 11 mo 3 days

Residence: Elm Crest Retirement Community Assisted Living, Harlan, IA

Born: Jan. 21, 1932; Buckingham, IA

Died: Dec. 24, 2016; Elm Crest Retirement Community Assisted Living, Harlan, IA

Funeral services: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016; Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Children, Curt Merritt of Hornersville, MO, Lana Merritt (fiancé, John Heller) of Harlan, IA, and Kevin Merritt of San Antonio, TX; brother, Delbert (spouse, Shirley) Merritt of Dysart, IA; sister, Alice Jo Ann (spouse, Tim) Scarbrough of Clearwater, MN; grandchildren, Faith Peterson, Drew Peterson, and Megan Merritt Cool; other relatives and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Arthur Ray and Alice Cleo (nee Ravlin) Merritt; Wife, Helen Merritt; brothers, Arthur Merritt, Marvin Merritt, and Dale Merritt

Education: attended the Geneseo (IA) School

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: U. S. Air Force Reserve

Marriage: Helen Coleen Olson; May 23, 1954; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Irwin, IA

Employment: After serving in the Air Force, he was employed by Harlan (IA) Builders. He briefly worked for Gateway Harvestore before opening Handyman Lumber and Supply.

Hobbies/Interests: was the family handyman; remodeled an entire house for his daughter, and made furniture for anyone who asked; founding member of Shelby County (IA) Crime Stoppers and donated many hours to the Shelby County (IA) Museum. He and Helen loved to travel, country music and the quiet of the country, and spending time fishing with friends.

Sources: harlanonline.com; kjan.com; knodfm.com; burmeisterjohannsen.com