Richard Duane Merritt, age 83, of Ames, died August 7, 2017 at Bethany Manor in Story City, Iowa. A gathering of friends and family will be from 4 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames with a 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 10, Funeral Service at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 612 24th Street Ames, Iowa. Burial will be at South St. Petri Church Cemetery, Rural Story City.
Richard was born November 15, 1933, the oldest of three children. His parents were David Watson and Johanna Olive (Peterson) Merritt; maternal grandparents, Pete A. and Margaret (Williamson) Peterson of Story County; and paternal grandparents, Albert and Julia Maria (Peterson) Merritt of Jewell, Iowa. He graduated from Story City High School. He was drafted into the US Army on June 23, 1953. He married Ollie Mae Bramlett on January 22, 1955 in Corinth, MS, while he was stationed at Ft. Campbell KY. He was later transferred to Camp Rucker, AL. When he was discharged on May 23, 1955, he and Ollie moved to Story City, Iowa. The couple later moved to Ames where Richard was employed at the Municipal Power Plant for 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed plowing gardens in Ames, with his Gravely Tractor, and playing with his grandson Cameron Merritt. Richard was a charter member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church and he helped build the church.
Richard is survived by his wife Ollie of 63 years; sons, David (Retta) Merritt of Boone, and Gene (Susan Stewart) Merritt of Ames; grandson, Cameron Merritt, and step-granddaughters, Milissa Clark, Jennifer Clark, and Gwendolyn Stewart. Richard is also survived by his brother, Vernie Merritt and a sister, Leona (Merritt) Carlson, both of Story City.
The family requests in lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com