Morris O. Merrill, age 84, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
Morris was born November 3, 1940, to Paul E. and Grace (Powell) Merrill. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1959. He married Marilyn “Jean” James on August 19, 1962, at Oak Hill, Kansas. After high school he joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1959. He served active duty for a period of National Emergency from Sept 1961 through August of 1962 in Fort Riley. He was discharged from the Army National Guard in July of 1965.
Morris was a man of many trades. He was a Farmer, Harvester and Trucker for many years.. In his retirement years he became an avid gardener. He always dreamed big and planted a garden to supply the whole neighborhood. In his spare time he and his nephew Robert would take the pontoon and his dog Odie to the lake to fish. His constant companion was his dog.
He was a member of the Waterville United Methodist Church. Whenever possible he would furnish fish for a fish fry at the church.
Survivors include his wife Jean Merrill, daughters Tami (Bernie) Sunnenberg of Axtell and Kristy (Carl) McClintick of Tucson, Arizona, a brother Martin (Linda) Merrill of Waterville, a sister Anna Mae Foster of Manhattan six grandchildren Ben Sunnenberg of Axtell, Amy (Jay) Adams of Frankfort, Jenny (Matt) Lierz of Axtell, John (Jevon) Coleman of Wetmore, Jessica (Jake) Hicks of Tucson, Arizona and Tory Schull of Tucson, Arizona, ten great grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Lori Coleman and a brother Richard Merrill.
A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 am, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Waterville United Methodist Church. A private inurnment at Cottage Hill Cemetery will follow later.
Memorials are to be determined at a later date and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, Waterville, in charge of arrangements.
