Karl Francis Merritt

NORTH MANCHESTER – Karl Francis Merritt, 76, North Manchester, passed away Nov. 23, 2014. He was born Sept. 18, 1938, in Huntington, to Herschel and Mary Ellen Burkhart Merritt. On Aug. 15, 1959, in North Manchester, he married Bonnie Dee Freed, who survives. He graduated from Central High School in 1956. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Manchester University in 1960. In 1964, he received his master’s degree from Indiana University. He taught and coached for two years at Laketon High School and coached basketball, baseball, golf and football for 15 years at Manchester High School. He then worked 20 years at Manchester College as an administrator and basketball coach. Also at the university, he served as the Student Union director, conference coordinator and alumni director. He enjoyed leading many alumni trips. He was the public address announcer at Manchester College for football and men’s and women’s basketball for over 30 years. He retired from the education field in 1996. In 2000, he began working part-time for Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel. He was an active member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren. He was also a member, president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Manchester Rotary Club. He wrote the rotary newsletter, the Turning Wheel, for over 40 years. He served on the Wabash County Hospital Foundation Board, the North Central Region Historic Landmarks Board and the North Manchester Historical Society board, serving as secretary for many years. He was a past president of the Manchester Shepherd’s Center, and along with Bonnie Dee, he coordinated travel excursions for the Shepherd’s Center and the Historical Society. He served four years on the Manchester Community School Board, four years on the town coucil, serveral terms as a member of the North Manchester Traffic Commission, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Wabash County United Fund Board of Directors. He was instrumental in developing the Manchester University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2003, he and his wife were awarded the North Manchester Citizens of the Year. On June 28, 2014, he was awarded a Manchester Community Schools Distinguished Alumni award. Also surviving are his son, Kirk (and spouse Christine) Merritt, Powell, Ohio; a daughter; Kristene Deeann Merritt Miller, Worthington, Ohio; three granddaughters; Katherine Florence and Elizabeth Haru, Powell; McKenna Leigh, Worthington; four sisters: Donna Merritt, Martha (and spouse Vern) Pursifull, Rebecca Merritt and Bethany Merritt. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Manchester Church of the Bretheren, 1306 Beckley St., North Manchester, with the Rev. Kurt Borgmann officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetary, North Manchester, at a later date. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and one hour prior to the service Sunday at the church. ***** Memorials may be made to Karl F. and Bonnie Dee Merritt Scholarship Endowment at the Community Foundation of Wabash County, 218 E. Main St., North Manchester; or Manchester Church of Brethren Vocal Music or Video Departments, 1306 Beckley St., North Manchester. Condolences may be sent via grandstaff-hentgen.com