Merritt DeWitt Becker, age 98 of Lake City passed away, Thursday , January 22, 2015 at home, surrounded by his family.

Merritt was born in Jennings, August 1, 1916 to DeWitt and Maude (Miller) Becker.
On April 15, 1950 he married the former Beatrice Kippen in Lake City.

Merritt was raised in Missaukee County and attended a country school in Minnings until the Eighth grade.
He entered the military in 1941, serving in the US Army.

Merritt was involved in various employments in Missaukee County. He worked for Charlie Gray’s Ranch in Merritt, Michigan for many years, for Van’s Lumber in Lake City and built many US Post Offices for Jim VanderLaan around the state and did carpentry in his own building construction business.
Merritt retired after working for Bohning Adhesives.
He was a member of the American Legion, Lake City Post #300.
He built many bird feeders and his companion was his dog, Sparky.
Merritt especially loved dancing, playing Euchre, enjoyed camping and family gatherings.

He is survived by his wife Beatrice, and children: Deborah (Mike) Lewis of Chester, Iowa,
Greg Becker of Lake City, Robin (Mark) Zagers of Cadillac, Linda (Mike) Cole of McBain and Kim (Tim) Mills of Parksley, Virginia, as well as ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.

Merritt was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Pat Jenema, seven sisters and one brother.

Funeral services will be 4:00 pm, Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Young Funeral Home in Lake City with Rev. Joel Hess officiating.
A time of visitation will begin at 3:00 pm until the time of service.

Burial will take place in the Lake City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lake City Senior Center.

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