Obituary of Vasco "Gene" Eugine Merritt

Vasco Eugine “Gene” Merritt was born on August 6, 1934 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the youngest of eight children born from the union of his parents: the late Verlin Merritt and the late Lydia (Kitts) Merritt. He attended Gibbs High and after graduating he decided to move to Michigan.

Gene married Carol Clark on August 28, 1954 and from this union they were blessed with five children: two daughters and three sons.

Gene loved to paint and play music. For over twenty-five years, Gene Merritt and the Country Travelers played in and around the Monroe area until retiring in 1982. After the band retired, he found a new passion for playing cards and enjoyed that time spent with his friends.

Above anything, Gene loved his family. He was a loving husband, a great father, a caring grandfather and great grandfather and a wonderful friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

Vasco Eugine “Gene” Merritt, age 83, of Carleton, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018 in his home surrounded by his family. His passing is preceded by three brothers, two sisters, his son in law Randall Kurtz and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 63 years: Carol Merritt of Carleton; his daughters: Juanita (Dennis) White of Monroe and Candy (the late Randall) Kurtz of Bradenton, Florida; his sons: David Merritt of Carleton, Ken Merritt of Carleton and Keith Merritt of Carleton; two sisters: Betty Newman of London, Kentucky and Louis Cornett of Knoxville, Tennessee; seventeen grandchildren; forty great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He will also be missed by his card buddies: Dan, Mike Rick, Gerald and Owen.

Friends may gather on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway, (734)241-7070 from 2:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 7:00pm with Reverend Al Whittaker officiating. Burial will take place privately at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com