John Merrick

BERTRAND, Mo. -- John Warren Merrick, 63, of Bertrand died Monday, May 21, 2012, at his home.

He was born Oct. 7, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Bob M. and Charlene Ruth "Cricket" Warren Merrick. He married his high school sweetheart, J. Jane Caldwell, July 19, 1969.

Merrick lived in Scott County his entire life and was a 1966 graduate of Kelly High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

He was a farmer and worked for Thomas W. Kelly School District. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an athlete. He was of the Baptist belief.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert Caldwell Merrick of Springfield, Mo.; four sisters, retired Maj. Christy J. Merrick and Candace L. Merrick of Shawnee, Kan.; Robin M. (Byars) Clark of Vienna, W.Va., Camella (David) Folsom of Basehor, Kan.; two grandsons, Connor Joseph Merrick and Bryce Robert Merrick of Springfield; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Ron Spell, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sikeston, Mo., will officiate. Interment will be in IOOF Cemetery near Charleston.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Wells, Conrad Caldwell, Byars Clark, David Folsom, Charles White and Jim Cowger.

Memorials may be made to John Merrick Memorial Fund, Thomas W. Kelly High School, 4035 State Highway 77, Benton, MO 63736; or to charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.