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  • Visitation:  4-6 p.m.  Sunday at the funeral home
  • Funeral:  11:00 a.m.  Monday at the funeral home

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.

Visitation is Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home, where envelopes for memorial contributions are available. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ernies online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please click the “Sign Guest Book” link above.


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1 Condolence

  1. Anonymous on March 12, 2008 at 12:00 am

    Guestbook

    03/17/2008 –

    MARY E FREEMAN
    LORETTA & FAMILY
    I’M SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF ERNIE. I’M SORRY I CAN’T BE THERE FOR VISITATION OR THE FUNERAL. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.
    LOVE MARY FREEMAN

    03/17/2008 –

    Phil and Debbie Lincoln
    Loretta. Just wanted you to know that our prayers are with you. Ernie was like another Grandpa to our grandkids, Dezi and Zoe. You have such a strong faith. God will see you thru. Love Phil and Debbie

    03/17/2008 –

    Joy Cole
    I and my family will miss the sweet smile of Brother Ernie. I always felt a great love when I was in his presence.
    Joy Cole & Family Jesus Non-Denominational Church

    03/17/2008 –

    Minister Angel Turner
    Brother Ernie was a very caring person and he had a lot of love in him. I will miss seeing him in church.
    Minister Angel Turner Jesus Non-Denominational Church

    03/17/2008 –

    Marcia Chase
    03/17/2008 –

    Pastor Tommy & Maria Turner
    Brother Ernie was a good man. He always had something good to say. I enjoyed when he sang IN THE GARDEN ALONE. We will miss him.
    Pastor Tommy and Maria Turner Jesus Non-Denominational Church

    03/16/2008 –

    Mike Baker
    I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God help and bless you through this difficult time. Mike

    03/16/2008 –

    Mynde Merritt (Fast)
    Grandpa, You will surely be missed!! You are and will always be loved by your family. I’ll always remember the good times we had… I love you!!

    03/15/2008 –

    Florence Martin
    I have known Ernie for a long time. He was always very a friendly person. Was always willing to help others. He Will be sadly missed. There is now another good carpenter added to heaven. Florence Martin

    03/15/2008 –

    BOB LONGORIA
    We crossed paths in this life if only for a little while God thought it was important enough for this to happen, I am happy to of known brother Merritt,he was a light in a dark world,He is in the hands of a just God and at peace within himself,may God bless you brother Merritt..Brother Bob Longoria..

    03/15/2008 –

    Dawn Halfaday
    Loretta, i’m so sorry to read about your hubby, it was nice you both got to join us in church on new years eve. i didn’t realize that van was his brother, louie and i were good friends with Van and Marietta. my sincere sympathies, God bless, Dawn

    03/15/2008 –

    Chad Christine & Girls
    What a Great Man !! Great Neighbor, & Friend !! You will always be remembered !! God Bless Him & His Family at this time of Great Loss !!!

    03/15/2008 –

    Diana Thompson
    Sorry for your lost.

    03/15/2008 –

    Jerry & Darlene Getts
    Aunt Loretta, sorry to hear of your loss, My the lord comfort you and guide you in your time of grief. your family has been a blessing to many in the church community may we the church be a blessing to you, Love Jerry and Darlene Getts

    03/15/2008 –

    Bill & Sheila
    Ernie was a good man. I have always had a lot of respect for him. He will be missed

    03/15/2008 –

    Bishop Tom & Jill Turner
    Our heart grieves with Ernies family, but we are looking forward to seeing our dear brother in Christ at the last trump. Earnie was a good man and we thank God for the opportunity to have him as a friend. I will always remember the fish he gave me.

    03/14/2008 –

    Maggie Merritt
    I know that Dad is in a better place and I want to say he was blessed to have Pete and Marion and their family at his side through these last days. I want to say thank you to all of them. I have many wonderful memories of times spent with him. As I read the things people have said here I think of those times, of the lessons he taught me, even when he didn’t know he was teaching. God has added a very special angel to heaven.

    03/14/2008 –

    Ed & DiAnn Jordan
    We are sorry to see Uncle Ernie go but he is in a far better place and in no pain.

    03/13/2008 –

    Samantha Minzey
    Grandpa, I love you and miss you with everything in me. You were a big part of my life and for that I am greatful. I have seen your stength, your courage, your dicipline, and your love. And I strive to be only half that strong. I have seen so much in you and through all of this and you love, I know I have been blessed to be a part of your life. I thank you for everything you have done for me and I will always love and miss you!

    03/13/2008 –

    Carrie Merritt
    Grandpa, Although we lost touch over these past years, I will never forget all the times we spent together growing up. I would not be the person I am if you had not been in my life. I love you and we will meet again.
    Hank

    03/13/2008 –

    C.J. & Marion Minzey
    I miss you very much!!

    03/12/2008 –

    Debra “Morris “Kinney
    My God be with you Uncle Ernie I’ll keep you in my memories for ever.
    Love Your Niece Deb “Morris” KInney

    –

    MINISTER RIDGEWAY BURNS
    –

    clayton minzey
    –

    Debra “Morris “Kinney

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