WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Merritt E. Parr, 86, of Indian River and formerly of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2010, at Bortz Health Care Center in Petoskey.
Merritt was born July 14, 1923, in Steuben County, Ind., a son of Shirley and Sylvia (Cannon) Parr, and grew up at Pleasant Lake, Ind., where he attended school.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific Theater during World War II.
On Nov. 1, 1947, he married the former Wanda Young in Huntington, Ind. The couple made their home in Sturgis, where they raised their family. Merritt retired in 1983 as an offset pressman for Rockford Paper Mills in Sturgis.
In 1988, Merritt and Wanda moved to Indian River. They have been residents of Independence Village in Petoskey since last October.
Merritt enjoyed fishing, camping and playing cards. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Merritt is survived by his wife, Wanda; sons John (Denise) Parr of Clinton Township and Steve (Katy) Parr of Garden Valley, Calif.; grandchildren Sam and Sarah Parr; and a brother, Gerald Parr of Hobart, Ind.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.
Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. Thursday at Lintz Funeral Home in Indian River. A graveside service will be held Thursday at Oakhill Cemetery directly following the visitation.
