Kenneth "Kenny" Merriman

Kenny lived with a steady, faithful spirit—one marked by hard work, quiet inspiration, and a gentle, kind-hearted way of moving through the world. He retired from Coca Cola after many years of dedicated service, a testament to the consistency and perseverance that shaped so much of his life.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Mae; his parents, Kenneth and Ida Merriman; his daughter, Kathy Louise Merriman; and his sister, Joyce Robertson. He is survived by his sons, Keith (Christine Marcum) Merriman and Kevin (Teresa Williamson) Merriman; his grandchildren, Michala Lewis, Conner Merriman, and Kourtney Merriman; and his great-grandchildren, Kaison and Alayla. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary (Jim) Livingston, Marie (Randy) Maynard, Linda (John) Fitzpatrick, Laura (Denny) Ball, Bill Merriman, and Sharma (Bob) Tharp, sister-in-law Kim Merriman; Kathy’s companion, Mike Stewart; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A beloved presence to many, Kenny found joy in the familiar rhythms of the games he loved—watching and playing golf, following college football (especially THE Ohio State Buckeye’s), and cheering on the Cleveland Guardians and the Boston Celtics. He also played basketball in high school, carrying forward a lifelong appreciation for the camaraderie and spirit of sport.

Kenny was a member of the Columbus Beagle Club, where he won the Field Trial Championship with his dog Orders Road George. Known to those closest to him as “the dog whisperer,” he brought patience and a steady hand to the animals he loved, just as he did to the people around him.

In his daily life, Kenny was the kind of man who would help anyone. Though he could be gruff at times, there was always a soft heart beneath it—one that showed itself in countless quiet ways. He would preach on Sunday afternoons at local nursing homes, offering comfort, encouragement, and the strength of his faith. As the eldest, he became a father figure to his younger siblings, leading with steadfast care and a gentle sense of responsibility that never sought recognition.

Kenny’s enduring question, offered in faith and reflection, remains as a final message: “will your last breath on earth be your first in heaven”. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:30 am until 1 pm at Schoedinger Grove City where his funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will take place at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens. Chaplain Jim Ferrell will officiate his service.