Larry Gene Merritt

Larry Gene Merritt of Coloma was born March 18, 1949, in Blytheville, Ark. He was one of five children born to Marvin and Clara (Yeager) Merritt. Larry passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014.

Larry served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends.

As to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial with military rites will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Memorial condolences for the family can be left at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

Larry is survived by his children: Larry (Brenda) Merritt of Hartford, Rick (Linda) Merritt of Battle Creek, Dale (Natalie) Merritt of South Carolina and Christina (Glenn) Pruitt of Louisiana; two brothers, Glenn Merritt of Coloma and Robert Merritt of Watervliet; and five sisters: Ruby (Orin) Carpenter of Watervliet; Carol (Ken) Hanners of Eau Claire; Dorthy Hardy of Alamo, Ga.; Betty (Robert) Baum of Eau Claire; and Joyce (Ken) Tubbe of Lufkin, Texas.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; his parents; and three brothers: Richard Merritt, Charles Ford and Hubert Pierce.