WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ronald E. Merritt, 66, of Constantine, Mich., died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at his home. He had been in failing health since July.
He was born March 9, 1958, in Three Rivers, Mich., the son of Frank E. and Pearl (Long) Merritt. He lived in Constantine and White Pigeon all of his life and was a graduate of White Pigeon High School.
He was a private in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam.
He was employed by Gray brothers in White Pigeon for more than 20 years as a foreman and machine set up and retired in 2009.
He enjoyed bowling in White Pigeon, Three Rivers and Elkhart, Ind., leagues, operating his tractor, motorcycles and motorcycle trips with his wife. He most of all enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren.
On Feb. 24, 1973, he married Xuong T. Ly in Eau Claire, Mich. She survives, with children Amy L. (David) Claxton of Elkhart, Ind., Jamie L. (Randy) Wolgamood of Constantine, Frankie V. (Kori) Merritt of Nashville, Tenn., half-daughter Mahn Duong of Seattle, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Connie Walters.
Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at he Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday with chaplain Karla Kauffman, of Three Rivers Hospice, officiating. Military rites will follow at the Constantine American Legion Post #223. Cremation will follow services.
