David F. Merrick

David F. Merrick, 84, of Altamont, passed away at 10:13 p.m., Sunday, May 9, 2021, at Labette Health.

He was born on June 25, 1936, to Ira Ivan and Lena Lane Kelley Merrick in Mound Valley. As a young boy, he grew up and attended country schools in rural Mound Valley. He graduated from Mound Valley High School in 1954.

At the age of 17, on May 19, 1955, David joined the United States Army and served for 10 ½ years. He then joined the United States Air Force and served for 12 ½ years. After retiring from the military, David moved back to Altamont in 1978, where he lived since. He worked for Labette County as a dump truck driver for 25 years, until his retirement on June 23, 2004.

He enjoyed fishing, especially on his pontoon boat; bike riding; motorcycles, especially Motor Cross; working on cars; and studying history.  Going to air shows and tractor pulls were also favorite activities.

On June 25, 1966, David and Susan Barbara Greene were united in marriage in Tacoma, Washington. She preceded him in death on December 20, 2007.

Survivors include:

One son – David Merrick and his wife, Kim, of Altamont, Kansas

One daughter – Elke S. Holsinger of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant son, David Dean Merrick; two infant daughters, Shirley Anne Merrick and Carolyn Sue Merrick; one son-in-law, David R. Holsinger; three brothers, Dennis Merrick, Ira Merrick, Jr., Virgil Merrick; and four sisters, Dorthy Fowler, Ruth Ilene Ware, Rosalea Wallace, and Norma Anne Merrick.

There will be a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The service can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.