Richard F. Merrill's Obituary
Richard Franklin Merrill, age 86 of Blanchard, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 26th at 11:00 AM, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus with Reverend Michael Rhodabarger officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Richard was born July 20, 1930, the son of Andrew and Violet (Bruce) Merrill. He married the love of his life, Lois, on November 23, 1947, and together the two grew their family to include four children. Known to be a work-a –holic, Richard put in long hours at the Blanchard Post Office and Blanchard Banner News to provide for his family. He was a private pilot and owned three different airplanes throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Millbrook-Rolland Township Fire Department for 36 years, and was the Fire Chief for 20 years. While Fire Chief, Richard was able to get the department new technology and training for them to be better prepared. After retiring from the Post Office, he and Lois began spending their winters in Florida where Richard made many good friends on the golf course. Aside from golfing, which took up a fair amount of his time, Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, his HAM radio, donating blood (he gave 20 gallons over the course of his life), and above all, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Smart, likeable, levelheaded, a “pushover”, and stubborn were all words used to describe him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years, Lois; children, Richard Jr. (Lorene) Merrill, Patti Hicks (Lonie Parmalee), and Jacki (Jeff) Fredricks; sister, Dorothy Everts; grandchildren, Jeff, Scot, Chad, Rick III, Ronnie, Travis, Tyler, and Sarah, and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda Paulsen; son-in-law, Richard Hicks; brother, Andrew Merrill, and brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Nancy Merrill.
Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Blanchard Area Parks and Recreation (P.O. Box 87, Blanchard, MI 49310). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?