March 21, 1960 – January 23, 2025
Gary Joe Merrill, 64, Sheridan, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 21, 1960, to Montie and Dorothy (Wiles) Merrill, Gary led a simple yet profoundly meaningful life filled with love, hard work, and community.
He was a 1978 graduate of Marion-Adams High School (now Sheridan Community Schools). Gary married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl (Haughey) Merrill, on March 28, 1980. During their nearly 45 years together, they built a life centered on family and the values of honesty and kindness.
Gary was a man of many passions. He had a deep appreciation for farming, antique tractors, and old cars, often spending countless hours restoring these relics of the past. His barn was more than a workshop, it was a place where stories were told, skills were shared, memories were made and many learned the value of hard work. When he wasn’t working on his latest project, he could often be found supporting local community causes, a reflection of his generous spirit and commitment to helping others. He worked hard and cherished the camaraderie of those he worked with, valuing the relationships he built over the years.
When he wasn’t working or tinkering with something in the barn, Gary found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. Family was at the heart of everything Gary did. He adored his grandchildren, who loved their “Papaw.” He found great joy in watching them play sports, cheering them on from the sidelines with a smile and words of encouragement. He was a pillar of strength and a source of wisdom to his children and grandchildren, always leading by example with his honesty, kindness, and unwavering work ethic.
Gary leaves behind his beloved wife, Cheryl (Haughey) Merrill of Sheridan; his daughters, Erin Merrill-Macy and her husband, Travis Macy, of Sheridan, and Lindsey Martin and her husband, Ryan Martin, of Sheridan; his grandchildren, Auburn Macy, Ralston Macy, Ayers Macy, and Alyssa Martin, who will carry forward his legacy of love and integrity. He leaves behind his brothers, Mike Merrill of Cole Cape, Mo., David Merrill of Warsaw, Mo., and Scott Merrill and his wife, Teresa, of Westfield. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Michael McKinney; sister-in-law, Cathy Rudd; brother- and sister-in-law, Eddie and Connie Mossburg; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Montie and Dorothy Merrill; parents-in-law, Jim and Hilda Haughey; sisters-in-law, Mary Merrill and Carolyn McKinney; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Haughey.
Gary’s life was casually celebrated on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Burial followed at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Rev. Mike Srbljan officiated. Visitation took place Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home.
Gary will be remembered for his friendly demeanor, his warm conversations with everyone he met, and his ability to make people feel valued. He was a simple man with a heart full of love and quiet generosity. Though his hands were often calloused from hard work, they were always ready to help others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sheridan Kids Coats, c/o First Farmers Bank and Trust in Sheridan, an organization very close to his heart.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com
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