07/13/2024
He will be missed by so many people in so many ways
John Robert Merrill, 85, of Lockwood, New York passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Elderwood Care in Waverly, New York.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Sarah Dewitt Merrill; his wife, Barbara Nichols Merrill; his brothers, James (Inez) Merrill and Roger Merrill; and his sisters, Mary Merrill Chilson, Charlotte (Raymond) Merrill Doolittle.
John is survived by his children, Gregory (Dawn) Merrill of Silver Springs, NY, Jeffrey (Tina) Merrill of Catoosa, OK, James (Delores) Merrill Johnson of Sayre, PA and Mike (Pamela) Macumber of Athens, PA; his siblings, Margaret (Charles) Merrill Wasielewski, Eleanor (Robert) Merrill VanCuren, Harriett (Frank) Merrill Baylor and Virginia (George) Merrill Nichols; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Merrill; brother-in-law, Rocky Chilson; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was born in Waverly, New York and graduated from Waverly High School, where he played football. He pastored the Marengo Chapel in Marengo, New York and was the assistant pastor at the Talmadge Hill Gospel Chapel in Waverly, New York for 30 plus years. He retired as a salesman from the FritoLay Corporation. John was an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman. John and his wife, Barbara enjoyed camping in their later years. He was the Northeast Overseer for the American Evangelical Christian Churches. John coached the Green Hornets small fry football team in Waverly, New York. John was an avid New York Giants and New York Yankee fan.
A time of calling will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 11 to 1 at the Talmadge Hill Gospel Chapel, 1660 Talmadge Hill Road, Waverly, New York. A funeral service to honor John’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Talmadge Hill Gospel Chapel, 1660 Talmadge Hill Road, Waverly, New York with Pastor Frank Wasielewski officiating. Burial will be held at the Halsey Valley Cemetery in Spencer, New York at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to send a message of remembrance to John’s family may visit our page or at www.blauveltfuneralhome.com
