Erick H. Merrill

Erick H. Merrill, age 81 of Elkhart passed away at the Center for Hospice in Mishawaka on January 27, 2022. Erick was born November 4, 1940, in Munising, Michigan to the late Howard and Alma (Peterson) Merrill. On November 11, 1995, he married Betty Jane Williams.

Surviving is his wife Betty Jane Williams-Merrill, his son Rick (Rebecca) Merrill of Orlando, Florida, his stepson Randy (Yvonne) Williams of Elkhart, his grandsons Erick and Dominick Merrill, his sisters, Patsy Zuverink of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kathryn LaCosse of Edwardsburg, Michigan and his former wife, Hak Yon Kim of Florida along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Pearl Baij, Deloris Smith, Eleanor Steinhoff, Gayle Moore, Emma Stankovich, Gary Merrill and Larry Merrill.

Erick was a graduate of Mather High School, class of 1958 and enlisted in the US Army in 1959, serving honorably in Germany, Korea, Okinawa, two tours in Vietnam, and Alaska.  Before his retirement from the Army, Erick earned the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements and service to his country. Following his retirement in 1979, he settled in Newport News, Virginia where he taught ROTC at Bethel High School.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 4pm funeral service and military honors on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. Erick will be laid to rest in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan later in the week.

Erick was a natural born athlete and enjoyed bowling, playing golf and football and watching hockey. Most of all he loved to play basketball and coached youth teams to numerous victories with his love and knowledge of the game.  In his spare time, he enjoyed driving cross country to see the sights and relaxing with a good, wholesome tv show such as Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, or any other Western that he could find on during the afternoon.  He was also a member of “That Church on the Rise” in Elkhart for several years.  L

In his memory, donations may be given to the Center for Hospice for the outstanding care they provided Erick during his last weeks or That Church on the Rise to be used to further the Lord’s work.  To share a story of his life, light a virtual candle in his memory, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.