Carson Vernon Merritt

Carson V. Merritt, 88, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away April 1, 2019. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30am, with funeral services to follow at 11:30am, on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Chapel Hill – Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Carson was born September 14, 1930 in Flint, Michigan to Dr. Carson V. and Ida Mae Merritt. His father passed away before he was born and his mother passed away when he was nine; Carson was raised by his grandparents and aunts and uncles. At age 17, he joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Fairfax, KS, where he met his future wife, Gladys. They married in 1950 and would have eight children together before their divorce in 1975. He married Norma Kendall in 1975 and, after a five year marriage, they divorced in 1980. Carson worked as a fitter and welder for Westinghouse, Crimsco, TWA, Midwest Metals and retired from S.O.R. He was a hard worker and taught four of his six sons to weld. Carson was a member of the D.A.V. and a Mason. He lived life on his own terms. He had a fondness for Gene Autry who he got to see in person outside the local theater when was 9 years old. He considered Mr. Autry as his hero.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his brother, Guy Merritt; and two of his sons, William “Bill” and James “Jim” Merritt.

Carson is survived by six of his children, Steve Merritt (Martha) of Chattanooga, TN, Dr. Michael Merritt (Minchong) of Lenexa, KS, Allen Merritt (Alma) of California, Deborah Gibbs (William) of KCK, Sherrie Diale (Glenn) of Lawrence, KS, and Pete Merritt (Melissa) of Loveland, OH; his daughter-in-law, Cathy Merritt of Gladstone, MO; as well as numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers: Steve Merritt, Pete Merritt, Anthony Diale, Jimmy Burris, Michael Merritt, Tom Merritt.

Fond memories and condolences for Carson may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill – Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112.