Steven Charles Merriman

He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 5, 1943. Growing up in Niles, he cultivated the values of hard work, loyalty, and love of family that would define him for the rest of his life.

Steven graduated from Niles Township West High School in Skokie, Illinois in 1961. He then attended the police and fire academies and received several fire certifications.

Steven was the devoted and loving husband of Arlene Merriman. The two met while both working for the City of Des Plaines, and were married on October 23, 1993, at the Manor House in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Steven and Arlene shared a life full of adventure and companionship, traveling around the country and world together, including a memorable trip through many of the national parks. Steven was also Arlene's biggest supporter, showing up for her events and performances. Closer to home, the two spent nearly every day together, often stopping at the ice cream shop inside the grocery store before doing their weekly shopping, a small ritual that captured the ease and joy of their life together.

Steven was a devoted father to his children with Karen Merriman — Stephanie Merriman, Kevin Merriman (Amber), and Amanda Roseboom (JD) — and a grandfather to Bailey Merriman and Annabelle Roseboom. He is also survived by his sister Sue Strang (Dale) and his brother William Merriman (the late Bonnie).

Steven dedicated his career to public service, working for both the police and fire departments in the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, for 31 years. During that time is was a member of the Illinois Professional Firefighter Association. He spent 11 years with the police department (1968–1979) before transitioning to the fire department, where he served for 20 years (1979–1999). In 1999, he retired from the City of Des Plaines as a fire lieutenant. His decades in uniform reflected a deep patriotism and commitment to serving his community.

After his time in Des Plaines, he moved to Bradenton, Florida, where he enjoyed his retirement in the sunshine. As an active community member in the Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch area, he was part of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Fishing Club, Lakewood Ranch Elks Club, and Lakewood Ranch Republican Club.

Steven had a lifelong passion for cars, owning upwards of ten Mustangs over the years. His love of history, especially the Civil War, fueled many of his travels, taking him and Arlene to battlefields around the country. Evenings often found him with a Clint Eastwood western on the TV or listening to Kenny G.

Faith played a large role in his life. While he grew up Lutheran, he found his spiritual home at Unity Church, drawn to its belief that God's presence lives within everyone and has the power to transform lives. This was evident every morning as he read the Daily Word devotional with Arlene, and every Sunday as they watched church together.

Steven had a way of making everyone feel like a friend, from his church community to his pharmacist to his contact at the Ford dealership. His warmth and easy conversation left an impression on everyone he met, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The values he lived by, hard work, loyalty, and devotion to those he loved, will carry on in the family he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Saturday September 26, 2026, at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 with a reception.

To give an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sarasota-fl/steven-merriman-12988661