November 22, 1929 – May 6, 2021
Towanda – Lyle Merritt, 91, of Towanda, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 on May 12, 2021 at East Lawn Funeral Home, 1102 Airport Road, with a private graveside service the next day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club.
Lyle Merritt was born on November 22, 1929, in Towanda, the son of Elza Merritt and Dorothy (Hilger) Merritt. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Cultra on December 5, 1954. She survives.
Other survivors include his children: Jeff (Nancy) Merritt of Bloomington, Dennis Merritt of Austin TX, Ron (Karen) Merritt of Downs, Rodney Merritt of Bloomington; four grandchildren: Keri Merritt, Maddie Merritt, Hunter Merritt, Cory Merritt; one great-granddaughter: Opal Merritt; and beloved sister: Carol (Don) Miller, his only living sibling.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Lisa; three brothers: Edward Merritt, Paul Merritt, Lee Merritt; and his parents: Elza and Dorothy Merritt.
Lyle attended Towanda school from 1936-1947, and was a straight A student in every year of school. He then was drafted in 1947, and served in the US Army from 1947-1949, supporting the Post WWII rebuilding of Europe.
After returning from Army service, Lyle worked for Rowe Construction as an Operating Engineer and retired in 1992. He was awarded Laborer of the Year in 1992, and was greatly admired by his peers.
Lyle and Mary were lifelong members of the Towanda Baptist Church. Lyle was also a member of the Towanda American Legion Post 56, and the Towanda Lions Club. He served as Secretary of Towanda Boy Scout Troop 56, and was awarded the District Award of Merit in 1983 for his many years as a Volunteer. His hobbies included finding and collecting Indian artifacts, rare bottles, and coins. Most notably, Lyle was an avid fisherman who frequented many farm ponds around Towanda.
Lyle was a very kind soul who touched the lives of many people, and will be dearly missed by his family and those who knew him.
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