Larry Merritt, 64

Larry W. Merritt, 64, of Middlebury, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne. He was born in Dowagiac on February 19, 1953, a son of Ernie and Zelma (Jackson) Merritt. Larry graduated from Constantine High School in 1971, where he attended school with his wife Patti (Filbrandt). After reuniting in 2010 on Facebook, Larry and Patti were married on July 2, 2011 in Union. He worked at Armstrong International in Three Rivers for 36 years, retiring in 2015. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, camping, being on the lake, traveling, and gardening. He was loved by everybody and will be dearly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife Patti of Middlebury, daughter Leann Foreman of Constantine, daughter Traci Sands of Middlebury, grandchildren Laura King, Shane Manges,Tanner Sands, Blake Sands, Darryl Spencer, and Destiny Spencer, 3 boston terriers Maggie, Mya, and his fishing buddy Nitro, mother Zelma Merritt of Constantine, and brothers Vander and Marvin Merritt of Constantine. He was preceded in death by his father.

Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, where religious services will be held on Friday at 11 am. Pastor Dan Lane will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed towards St. Joseph County, MI Animal Rescue Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.