Junior Ray Merritt

Junior Ray Merritt, 72, of Kokomo, passed away at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis on Monday, November 25, 2019. He was born to Johnny Andrew Merritt and Eula Mae (Dukes) on October 30, 1947. Junior married Cathy Jane (Cripe) Merritt on February 27, 1970 in Kokomo. She survives him. Junior enlisted and served in the Army during the Vietnam War in 1967 to 1968. Junior started his family business, Merritt's Truck & Auto Repair in Kokomo, in January of 1976. Junior retired in 2008, and turned the business over to his son, Chad Merritt. He also started Merritt & Son Excavating in 1996, which Chad currently operates. He enjoyed horseback riding, flea marketing, cooking anything and eating everything, except anchovies, working at his businesses, and spending time with his family. Junior was a jokester and enjoyed pulling pranks on people. Junior was a very giving man. He would give you the shirt off his back, even to a stranger if they needed it. Junior loved the Lord. He wasn't afraid to tell anyone about the scriptures and what they should do, to live a life the Lord would want them to live. He expects his family to follow in his faith, and to meet him in Heaven one day. Surviving is his wife Cathy, daughter Jody Rae (Merritt) and son in law David Thompson, son Chad Andrew Merritt, grandkids Nicole Deon McDonald (Tyler), Britney Nicole Sandersfeld (Justin), Elizabeth Grace Thompson, Zachary David Thompson, Jayke Andrew Merritt, and Lukas Allen Merritt, great grandkids Harper Grace McDonald and Dawson Ward McDonald, and a great grandbaby to be born in May 2020, sister Wanda (Merritt) Moyers of Knoxville, TN., and several extended family and friends. Those who have passed before Junior are his parents, brothers Bruce Merritt, Alvin Merritt, and Paul Merritt, and sister Shelma (Merritt) Martin. A funeral service for Junior will take place Sunday December 1, 2019 at his business, Merritt's Truck & Auto Repair; 1025 Touby Pike in Kokomo. at 4PM. Friends and family may gather (work clothes preferred) from 11am to 4pm. The U.S. Army will begin the service with Military Honors at 4pm. Son in law, David Thompson will officiate the service. If you wish to leave a contribution in Junior's memory, please, in lieu of flowers, donate to the American Huey 369; 1697 West Hoosier Blvd., Peru, Indiana 46970.