January 15, 1932 - February 9, 2021
Towanda, IL. Paul Vernon Merritt, 89 of Towanda passed away at 9:58 AM on Tuesday, February 9th at St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born January 15, 1932 to Elza and Dorothy Merritt. He married Charlotte Beal in Tunica, MS on August 5 1950. She preceded him in death just two weeks prior on January 24, 2021.
He is survived by his two daughters: Sue Reynolds (David) of Kansas and Kathy Merritt of Towanda.
5 Grandchildren: Megan Merritt-Klemme, Scott Merritt (Sharon), Chad Merritt, (Bobbie), Betsy Oglesby (Nathan), and Ryan Reynolds (Kristin)
9 Great grandchildren: Ketra Hanson (Eric), Amanda King (Nate), Dylan Merritt, Trevor Merritt, Alyxndra Merritt, Matthew Merritt, Berlin Reynolds, Lucky Reynolds, and Kinley Oglesby.
4 Great-great Grandchildren: Murphy Hanson, Connor Hanson, Maia King, and Riley King.
Siblings: Lyle Merritt (Mary) and Carol Miller (Don).
He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife Charlotte Merritt, son Paul Merritt Jr, daughter-in-law Nancy Merritt, and infant daughter Robin Merritt. Two of his brothers, Eddie and Lee Merritt both also preceded in him death.
Paul was a highway construction operating engineer. He was a member of the Local 649 Operating Engineers Union in Peoria, IL. This past August, he received his 70th year pin and awards from the union. He absolutely loved being an operating engineer! When he wasn't working he loved to fish, do woodworking projects and most of all spend time with his family which spanned 5 generations.
A graveside service for Paul and Charlotte will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 1 pm at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1002 Airport Road, Bloomington.
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