Paul Merritt

Paul Donavon Merritt, 90, of Quincy, passed away at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL, on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Paul was born July 23, 1929, in rural Burlington Junction, MO to Jasper Harold and Flora Gladys (Mitchell) Merritt. He was united in marriage to Rosemary Wrenne on October 1957. She preceded him in death. He later married Theresa Gorski in July of 1990. She preceded him in death in 2003.

Paul graduated from Burlington Junction High School with the class of 1948. He then served in the United States Army for 2 years working with artillery in Germany. Paul spent most of his adult life in the Chicago area until moving to the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He started working with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in 1955 in Chicago. Paul learned numerous positions and was able to perform nearly every job on the railroad until retiring in 1991, as a conductor after 35 years. Paul was a lifetime member of the VFW in Orland Park, IL. He loved to dance, coincidentally; this is how he met both of his wives. Paul was a member of the wood carvers club and enjoyed bowling. Paul was baptized in the Christian church but converted to Catholicism in 1990 and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Orland Park, IL.

Paul is survived by two sisters; Audrey Murray of Clinton, IA, Lola Clary of Comanche, IA, two brothers; Jim (Beverly) Merritt of Keokuk, Kenneth (Judy) Merritt of Moweaqua, IL, two stepsons; Steve Gorski and Robert Gorski, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, both of his wives, three sisters; Bertha, Helen, and one in infancy, four brother-in-law's, one step daughter; Diane Long, and one niece; Marilyn Lannen.

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held at 2 PM on Friday, July 3, 2020, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activities Department or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes and condolences may be entered at dejongsfuneralhomes.com.