Richard C. Merritt

Richard C. Merritt, 91, of Carthage, passed away at Memorial Hospital in Carthage Friday, April 12, 2024.

Richard was born August 5, 1932, in Champaign, Illinois, the son of Johnny and Verla J. (Coleman) Merritt.  He attended Carthage High School graduating in 1950.  Richard went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean War receiving his Honorable Discharge on November 5, 1954.  On August 3, 1952, he was united in marriage to Lucille Vass at the First Baptist Church in Carthage.  She preceded him in death in 2004.  On June 16, 2007, he was united in marriage to Barbara Hollenstine.  She survives.  Richard owned and operated Merritt RV north of Carthage for over 65 years.  He was an avid camper and loved his business.  He was a member of First Baptist Church all his life, honoring God in all that he did. Richard is remembered fondly for his generous heart, his love of family, his uncanny ability to always have room for dessert, and most notably – his big red hat.

Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Carthage; daughter, Marlena (William) Siverly; 3 step-children, Bobbie (Denny) Dietrich; Mike (Kim) Hollenstine; Kevin (Mary) Hollenstine; 9 grandchildren, Aimee (Eric) Young; Noel (Adam) Bruns; Christina Wainscott; Joshua (Autumn) Siverly; Jessica (Carmen) Mugnolo; McKinnsey (Dylan) Bolton; Elijah Siverly; Issac Siverly; Brittney Bowden; 6 step-grandchildren, David (Chrissy) Dietrich; Paula (Wayne) Hilgenbrinck; Bryan (Danyel) Dietrich; Rickey (Nicole) Williams; Derek (Megan Welker) Hollenstine; Sarah Hollenstine and 19 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille; a son, Timothy Merritt; and three brothers, Marvin, Norman and Ronald.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Carthage, IL on Saturday, April 27, 2024. His burial will follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage, IL with Military Rites by the United States Army and Hancock County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, April 26, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Carthage, IL.  Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Carthage, IL.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

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