Steven Merritt

Steven Lewis Merritt was born September 18, 1954 to Mary Hellen Merritt and Fred A. Merritt at home near Rogers, Ark., on the farm where he grew up. He attended school in Rogers, where he excelled in sports. He lettered all four years in football. The Rogers newspaper reported that, "In the last game of the night, and of the season, Steve Merritt pitched the Cardinals to a win with a 7-1 victory". After graduating in 1972, he attended Twin Lakes Technical Trade School in Harrison. Soon afterward, he started to work at Union Carbide "Glad" in the mechanical maintenance department. Steve stayed for over 45 years in the Glad plant and retired as an Electrical Engineering Technician. Steve enjoyed cross country running and ran with the Glad Team. He also enjoyed bicycling and later he upgraded to a Harley Davidson. David "Turkey" Vance said Steve sure enjoyed eating at Golden Corral. As a youngster, Steve attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and on August 25, 1966, at First Baptist Springdale, he was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Steve always enjoyed hunting, shooting, fishing and boating. He also enjoyed music and travel. He served as an Avoca Volunteer Firefighter and on the Benton County Search and Rescue Team. About 8 years ago, Steve moved from his home in Walnut Valley to a neat log home with a wrap around porch on a beautiful 35 acre farm near Golden, Mo. He raised cattle and hay while he taught himself to be a self-sufficient survivalist, raising and preserving homegrown foods. Steve was always generous and a friend to many. He will be missed by all! Survivors are three brothers: Allen Merritt (Barbara) and Phil Merritt, all of Rogers; Joe Merritt (Jeri) of Pryor, Okla.; and one sister, Susie O'Dell of Rogers. A celebration of Steve's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 12845 Walnut Valley Rd., Rogers, Ark., 72756. Family and friends are asked to stay after the short service to have lunch and share memories about Steve. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree in Steve's name. Online condolences may be made at: siscofuneralhome.net.