Kenneth Arthur Merritt

d. July 7, 2024

It is with shattered hearts that we must share the passing of devoted husband and father, Kenneth Arthur Merritt, 67, Carmel, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. After a grueling battle with brain cancer, Ken took his final breath peacefully and without pain in the arms of his loving wife of 30 years, Dinah.

Ken’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Dinah Merritt; four sons, Casey (Manya) Merritt, Aaron Merritt, Zachary (Adele) Merritt, and Benjamin Merritt; his brother, Christopher (Kathryn) Merritt; a bonus wife, Shana (Joshuah) Sloma; and three bonus children, Evan Brammer, Oliver Sloma, and Ava Sloma.

Ken is proceeded in death by his parents, Drs. A. Donald Merritt and Doris Merritt, as well as his beloved granddog, Nadia, and numerous other fur babies.

Ken attended Purdue University. He emulated his parents’ desire to help people. Rather than pursuing a career in medicine, Ken chose to work closely with local fire departments and in the private sector to ensure the health and well-being of his community as a contract coordinator and technical advisor in the home and commercial life safety industry.

Although Ken’s contribution to the lives of those he did not know was admirable, his greatest passion was his family. Ken spent countless hours teaching his sons, their friends, and anyone else who asked for his help. He shared his immense knowledge of mechanics, fishing, and a thousand other things with any “student” willing to listen.

Ken was a self-taught guru at everything he chose to pursue. He loved anything with wheels, coffee with a smidge of cream and one useless packet of sugar that he swore he could taste, and making people happy.

Ken rocked a mustache better than Magnum and could MacGyver anything he touched. He was known for his cooking and neck rubs. Ken told the longest jokes in history and was the kindest, gentlest soul to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. And when asked how he felt about his wife, Ken simply said, “I love her to the ends of the Earth.”

At Ken’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. The family kindly asks anyone wishing to honor Ken’s memory and love of family to please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or an Indiana Humane Society location.