A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 for John Carl Merritt, 63, of Exeter at Exeter Presbyterian Church, 200 S. E St., Exeter. He died peacefully at his home on Jan. 29 after a brave four-year battle with a brain tumor.
He was born on Oct. 29, 1940 in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Eagle Rock, Calif. where he attended Eagle Rock High School. He also attended Pasadena City College and the University of Colorado. He played guitar and sang professionally with the Sherwood Sisters during the 1960s. He was a stockbroker for Dean Witter in Pasadena, Glendale and Fresno. Prior to his death, he was a stockbroker and branch manager for A.G. Edwards and Sons, Inc. in Visalia.
He loved the outdoors, the Shaver Lake Mountain House, sailing on Huntington Lake, hiking and tennis. He often entertained family and friends by playing the guitar and singing. His love of life and kind spirit touched the hearts of many friends. We will dearly miss you, as memories of good times will always be with us.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Delora Buckman-Merritt; daughters, Katie Kovacs of Los Angeles and Kari Merritt of Tulare; son, John Merritt of Bakersfield; stepson, Brooks Jones of Seattle, Wash.; six grandchildren; four nieces and nephews; brothers, Bob, Bill and Richard Merritt.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Exeter, P.O. Box 482, Exeter, CA 93221 or Hospice of Tulare County, 900 W. Oak St., Visalia, CA 93291.
On-line condolences may be made to www.smithfamilychapel.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.
