Merritt Bertrand Sherer Jr.

Born on September 7, 1930 to Merritt Bertrand Sherer Sr., and Florence Norine Thomas. Lois, his sister was 7 years old when he was born. By the time Merritt graduated from Northeast High School of KC, MO in 1947, he had attended 8 different schools in both Kansas and Missouri. Among his accomplishments were playing the piano, the marimba, singing in choirs with perfect pitch, and in 1946 earning the Eagle Scout Award.

Merritt attended Bradley University to study watch and jewelry repair, then the University of Denver for Business Administration. Throughout his college years he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. In 1954, he was their Man of The Year.

He served in the United States Air Force as a communication specialist from 1950-1953, then returned to Denver and graduated from the University of Denver in 1954 with a BSBA.

After graduation Merritt worked with his father as a traveling jewelry salesman throughout the week, and drove a taxi on the weekend.

In the fall of 1956 he started dating Helen Katherine Bell, who became his wife in August 17 of 1957.

A year later their first born Matthew Louis Sherer arrived. The following year, Peggy Joyce Sherer was born.

In December of 1957 Merritt purchased his jewelry store, became a registered jeweler, then a certified gemologist and finally a certified jewelry appraiser. He continued to operate his store successfully for 35 years. He was highly respected in the Colorado jewelry industry.

Merritt’s hobbies included being the life of the party, telling jokes, water-skiing, bowling, golfing, and being a self-made handiman.

After retirement Merritt played golf as often as possible, and spent his time serving and volunteering on projects like renovating the Easter Seals HandiCamp cabins and kitchen and assisting to build the bicycle bridge over Lee’s Gulch.

Among the many volunteer and leadership positions Merritt held, were:

Board of Directors for the BBB

G.O. Jaycee member

Founder and president of the Rocky Mountain Jewelers Association

President of the American Gem Society Guild

Master Mason and a member of the El Jebel Shriners Clown unit.

Past Patron and Past Grand Representative for Heritage Chapter of Eastern Star.

Ambitious member of Sertoma for almost 50 years serving in every leadership position including Front Range Governor and winning numerous individual awards.

Original chairman of the Mile High Soap Box Derby, bringing the races to Colorado.

The 2008 International Sertoman of the Year, their most prestigious award.

Merritt is preceded in death by both parents, his sister and brother-in-law Lois and Elmer Pickett, his nephew Robert Pickett and his grandson Gregory Wayne Matthews.

He is survived by his wife Helen of 61 years, his children, who loved him dearly, Matt (April) Sherer, Sr. of Arvada, CO: Peggy (Wayne) Matthews of Coon Rapids, MN. His grandchildren, who will miss his humorous and competitive ways, Amy (Tim) Brown, Janelle (Eric) Gunderson, Tricia (Dean) Hanson, Emily (Paul) Nelson, all of MN: Breanna (Jeff) Smith of Portland, OR and Matthew Sherer, Jr of Arvada, CO. And his Great grandchildren, all of MN, Ashley (Phil), Alyssa, Aliya, Adyson, Isaac, Wesley, Elianah, Gregory, Nora, Jocelin, and Miles who will all miss his silliness and smiles. He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and many many friends.

Merritt is mostly known for his authoritative leadership, creative and artistic talent, card playing abilities, humor and quick wit, all of which stayed with him until the end. He passed away peacefully in his home, February 13, 2019 under the excellent care of Denver Hospice.

His celebration of life will be Friday, March 8, 2019 at 10:00 am. Epiphany Episcopal Church, 100 Colorado Blvd. All family members are invited to the internment at Ft. Logan, Staging Area “A” at 2:00.

Memorial gifts may be made to Denver Hospice, www.thedenverhospice.org or 501 S Cherry St, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246. Or to a non-profit of your choice who serve the underprivileged.