Thomas Merritt

Thomas Merritt, age 82. Tom was born July 18, 1935. He only weighed 2 1/4 lbs.! Tom graduated from High School in May, 1953 and married his first wife (Janet) the following day. He said, "I was tired of being a bachelor." They were married for 49 years. He and his wife Janet had four children; two boys (Keith and Don) and two girls (twins – Darlene and Debbie). He had six grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Tom had one brother, Jack Merritt, and two sisters, Betty Greer and Pat Hawley. Tom's goal in life was to be a minister. He attended Grace College in Winona, Ind. for four years; three years of Seminary and one year of post-Graduate work. He pastored his first church in Kinderhook, Mich. for 10 years. He also started a church in Bristol, Ind. and was there for two years. He spent 25 years as a Pastor in various churches in Michigan and Indiana. He also taught Junior High for two years after college. He married Patty Jo Wright (Bratton) in 2002. They were classmates during their High School years. They never dated in High School because he was afraid she'd refuse to go out with him. REST IN PEACE MY LOVE. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Bella Vista Church of the Nazarene, 760 W Lancashire Blvd, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715, with a visitation to take place before hand, starting at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bella Vista Church of the Nazarene. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.