LINNEUS – Jerel “Jerry” Eban Merritt, 62, died Oct. 8, 2010, in Bangor. He was born July 25, 1948, in Houlton, the son of Elbridge “Stubby” and Virginia (Cone) Merritt. He retired after 20 years in the U.S. Army, serving tours in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed being with the family, playing cards and dominoes, also scratching tickets, playing bingo, and watching baseball and football on TV. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sandra “Sandy” (Mace) Merritt of Linneus; five children, Jason Merritt and his fiancee, Jody Brewer, of Linneus, Jonathan and Gina Merritt of Pennsylvania, Joey Jay of New Hampshire, Wade Jay and Terry Bishop of New Limerick, Christine Merritt and Kelli Williams of Linneus; one daughter-in-law, Tina Jay of Houlton; seven grandchildren, Cassandra, Brandon, Ethan, Launa, Abby, Colby and Julian; one great-grandson, Gunner; brothers, George and Sharon Merritt of Hodgdon and Steven Merritt of Littleton; sisters, Donna and Frank Hurley of Caribou, Beverly and Mike Hanagan of California, Nancy and Roger Smith of New Limerick, Sally and Carl Blike of Houlton, Kelly Meqguire of Orient and Amy Merritt of South Carolina; a sister-in-law. Dawn Anderson of New Limerick; mother-in-law, Audrey Maze of Linneus; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and two close friends, Bonnie Carson and Barb King. He was predeceased by his parents; one brother, Kenneth; a sister, Barbara; and a stepson, Tony Jay. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton.
JEREL ‘JERRY’ EBAN MERRITT
