Gerald W. “Jerry” Merritt, 77, of Rushville died at 10:02 a.m. Nov. 14, 2014, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.Gerald W. “Jerry” Merritt, 77, of Rushville died at 10:02 a.m. Nov. 14, 2014, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born Sept. 12, 1937, in Camden, a son of Perry L. and Dorothy M. Mercer Merritt. He married Mary Sue Strong Zeeck on April 1, 1991, in Rushville. She survives.
Also surviving are 10 children, Teresa (and Ron) Kyle and Michael (and Becky) Merritt, both of Jacksonville, Brad (and Jenny) Merritt of Atoka, Tenn., John (and Fenisha) Merritt of Collierville, Tenn., David (and Kelly) Merritt and Steve (and Jessica) Merritt, both of Davenport, Iowa, Jenny (and Jeremie) Hester of Sneads Ferry, N.C., Mike (and Tami) Zeeck, Jeff (and Terri) Zeeck and Tim (and April) Zeeck, all of Rushville; one brother, Bill Merritt of Kewanee; one sister, Janean (and Larry) Johnson of Cambridge; 30 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Karen Kiser.
He graduated from Brown County High School in 1955 where he was active in sports and long distance running.
He was a machinist at Caterpillar in Peoria. Later he moved to Kewanee and entered into business with his father and brother, Bill. He then started his career as a salesman until his retirement.
Services were held Monday at Rushville First United Methodist Church. Burial was in Rushville City Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Rushville First United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.
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