Jerry Wayne Merritt Sr.
Portage, Indiana

Age 65, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 8, 1948 to the late Charles O. and Marjorie (nee Howard) Merritt in Greenville, South Carolina. Jerry was a retired Local 460 Union Painter and he proudly served his country as a United States Navy Seabee during the Vietnam War. On August 19, 1967 Jerry married the love of his life Faye Morrow in Miller, Indiana. He was a member of the NRA. Jerry was an avid military model hobbyist; he enjoyed reading, painting, and gardening, he was a past baseball and football coach. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather "Papa" and friend.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Faye (nee Morrow) Merritt of Portage; son, Jerry (Kim) Merritt Jr. of Chesterton; two daughters, Misty (Scott) Oehmke of Mokena, Illinois, Catherine (Joe) Marsh of Spanish Fort, Alabama; six grandchildren, Katelyn, Kathryn, Madison, Michael, Megan and Payton , many other loving family members and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Brandy Merritt and his parents.
In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children Hospital or to Wounded Warriors Project.
A funeral service for Jerry will be held Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home-Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be Saturday, January 25, 2014 also at Rees Funeral Home- Olson Chapel from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm also at Rees Funeral Home – Olson Chapel. (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com