William 'Bill' Merritt

WILLIAM "BILL" J. MERRITT

Center Point

William "Bill" J. Merritt, 55, of Center Point, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, from a short illness. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2018, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.

Bill was born Sept. 28, 1962, to Lucille and Earl "Pops" Merritt. He graduated from Springville High School in 1981. Bill married the love of his life, Sandy, on June 18, 1988. They enjoyed 30 years of fun and laughter living in Center Point. Bill enjoyed owning and operating Area Engine Service in Alburnett, where he did small-engine repair and sales. He loved his D21 tractor and had so much fun pulling it at tractor pulls around the area. Bill will be most remembered for his very big heart - helping others brought him so

much joy. He loved cooking and catered many events

for the special people in his life. Bill's love for his family showed through in everything he did.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughters, Michelle (Berne) Hotchkiss, Cedar Rapids, and Staci (Chris) Tave, Frisco, Texas; his father, Earl; sisters, Bev (Gary) Peters, Ames, Becky (Al) Rawson, Alburnett, and Betty (Jason) Kirklin, Robins; brother, Brad (Theresa) Merritt, Springville; grandchildren, Tyler, Bryce, Megan and Kiona; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille; brother, Bob; and sister, Barb.

A memorial fund has been established in Bill's memory.

Please share a memory of Bill at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.