Forrest E. Merrick, Jr., age 81, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at Eastlake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born on Aug. 14, 1929, in Elkhart to the late Forrest E. and Caroline (Sensenbaugh) Merrick, Sr. He married Audrey D. Miller on Nov. 23, 1951 in Elkhart.
Forrest was a 1949 graduate of Elkhart High School. He retired after 35 years of service from Adams & Westlake, and formerly worked at ADEC, Elkhart Community Schools and Martin’s Supermarket. He was a former member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Surviving him are his wife, Audrey D. Merrick of Elkhart; sons, Ed (Yvette) Merrick of Syracuse, Dana (Kim) Merrick of New Palestine and Todd (Mary) Merrick of Edwardsburg. Nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four brothers, Welmer, Eldon, Firmer and Frances; four sisters, Iona, Doris, Dorothy and Thelma.
Friends may call for two hours prior to the 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2011 celebration of his life service at the Billings Funeral Home 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. His nephew, Pastor Eugene Merrick will officiate. Folding and presentation of the flag by the US Army Honor Detail will conclude the service.
Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in the Veterans Section at Prairie Street Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Forrest E. Merrick Jr. memorial fund C/O the funeral home.
