Francis Edward Merritt

Francis Edward Merritt, age 86, said goodbye to this world suddenly but peacefully the evening of Thursday October 2, 2025 surrounded at home by loved ones in Killeen, Texas. He began his journey in life in Palermo NY where he was born at home on Monday February 13, 1939.

He was a quiet man but had many friends. He was known by many names, Francis, Franci, Fran, Hon, Dad, Daddy, Pops, Papa and Grandpa. But no one ever called him lazy. 

Francis was a simple but generous man. He never asked if you needed help. He just stepped in and started working. He had a knack of knowing exactly where and how he could best be used. He did anything that needed to be done. He spent much of his life as a carpenter. He loved everyone and serving at Liverpool Christian Church. He could be found doing everything from making repairs, building, vacuuming, taking out garbage to doing yard work at the church.

He would be found doing word search puzzles in his downtime. He loved camping. grilling and sorting coins. 

He was predeceased by his father Boyd Irving Merritt, his mother Dora Pachoud Merritt and a brother Kenneth I. Merritt.

Surviving is his wife of 42 years Wilma Yager Merritt.

Daughter Lucinda (Ronald) Powell, grandsons Rodney, Eric (Ebony) and Richard. Great granddaughter Aaliyah.

Son Edward (Veronica) Merritt. Grandchildren Christopher, Jonathan, Madison, Zoe, Ryan, Samantha and Leila. Great grandchildren Zachariah, Isabella and Penelope.

Son Randy (Cassandra) Merritt and grandchildren Alayna, Brayden, Carmyn and Devlyn.

Son Kevin (Amanda) Merritt. Grandsons Edward, Caleb, Kristopher and Nicholas.

Son Michael Merritt (Amanda Young) and grandson Wade.

Brothers Donald, Irwin, Melvin and Wayne Merritt. Sisters Shirley Wines and Dorene Mansfield.

He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends. No matter how he knew them, they were considered family.

Celebration of Life will be at Liverpool Christian Church located at 2021 Cold Springs Rd, Liverpool NY 13090 on Wednesday, October 15, from 4pm-7pm

Dinner and drinks will be provided. We encourage everyone to come and celebrate the wonderful life and memories with the friends and family Francis had.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Edward Merritt, please visit our floral store.