John Merrill

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

John Frederick Merrill, 80, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at his daughter Susan’s home in Carthage, Missouri. Fred was born April 17, 1944, in San Diego, California to Richard and Mary Katherine Merrill. 

Fred, 17 years old, met Carol, 13 years old, at a church hayride. They were married 55 years. Fred was a city councilman for 7 years. He was asked if he would consider running for Mayor but then said no that would interfere with his crappie fishing. Fred worked for Schreiber Foods for around 50 years. 

Fred enjoyed spending time at their lake place on Table Rock Lake. He loved fishing, hunting, spending time with his wife, listening to music, and “totty time” with Carol on the front porch. Fred also liked working on old cars and building his house at the lake. In the springtime if you were looking for Fred, he was always out on the water fishing at his “hot spots.”

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, and son-in-law Scott Jirik. He was survived by two daughters Teresa Jirik of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, Susan Richmond (Darrell) of Carthage, Missouri; seven grandchildren Taylor Santoro (Dave) of Tontitown, Arkansas, Addison Thorn (Eric) of Eagan, Minnesota, Scotty Jirik of Carthage, Missouri, Bailey (Jordan) and Elizabeth of Olathe, Kansas, Olivia and Mary Grace of Carthage, Missouri; and one great-grandson Carson Thorn of Eagan, Minnesota.

“God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, and when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray; When in the Lord’s safe landing net, I’m peacefully asleep, that in His mercy I be judged as good enough to keep.” (By Kathy Lunn)

A funeral mass will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, Missouri. Inurnment will follow at Park Cemetery in Carthage.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.