Cadillac, Michigan - Richard James Merritt Sr., of Cadillac passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Samaritas Senior Living. He was 82.

Richard was born on September 6, 1935, in Cadillac, Michigan to Arthur and Wilma (McCracken) Merritt. He spent his career pouring iron for over 20 years until his time of retirement. Richard was most fond of watching softball and baseball games, especially local youth games and the Detroit Tigers. His kids will always remember finding him down at the fields whenever they couldn't find him around the house. He liked spending time with his friends and going to bowl. Richard was an active member for many years at the American Legion of Cadillac. He cherished the time he spent with his family, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Richard loved spending time outdoors walking by the lake and listening to country music, and berry picking in his younger days.

Richard is survived by his four children, Tammy (Dave Kelley) Merritt, Richard Merritt, Billie Jo Anderson and Michael (Machell) Merritt; nine grandchildren, Scott Kelley, Jason (Raemie) Merritt, James (Karen) Merritt, Jessica (John) Kitchen,  Heather (Joe) Merritt, Gabrielle Gilbert, Sheltina Sharp, Gena Sharp and Joseph Letts; 12 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; three sisters, Evelyn (Eldon) Welliver, Donna (Cliff) Fauble and Joyce Garrow; four brothers, Robert (Karen) Merritt, Dean (Darlene) Merritt, Gary (Thelma) Merritt and Phillip (Darlene) Merritt; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Arthur Merritt Jr., Sister, Barbara Collins, and brother-in-law, Harold Garrow.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 5 p.m. with visitation held one hour prior at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

 Memorial contributions may be directed to the Merritt family, in care of his daughter, Billie Jo Anderson.

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