MERRITT, Marcus W., age 85, of Trenton, September 21, 2018. Beloved husband of Alice Jean Merritt. Loving father of David (Catherine) Merritt and Susan Jean Merritt. Dearest grandfather of Jennifer Merritt, Ashley (Andrae) Hash and Melissa Merritt and great grandfather of Andrae Hash. He is preceded in death by his son Mark Edward Merritt and his parents Marcus and Mary Merritt. Marcus William Merritt, known to everyone as Bill, was born at Providence Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. From the age of two until he was nine years old he lived on his Grandfather's farm in Indiana, Pennsylvania with many of his eleven aunts and uncles. At nine he moved to Wyandotte, Michigan and spent his summers at the farm, a place he cherished. After he left high school he worked at Earl's Garage on Biddle Avenue Wyandotte until he got a job as a millwright at Great Lakes Steel. During this time his passion for automobiles was most evident. First modifying a 1933 Ford Coupe and then a 1940 Ford Coupe. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, Bill served his country in peace time Germany. His stories of that time made it clear he was proud of that brief time that shaped his life. After his Army tour, Bill returned to Wyandotte and his job at Great Lakes Steel. It was during this time that he took up with the love of his life, Jean Slovenske, who on April 11, 1959 became his wife. They had three children Mark, David and Susan. Bill and Jean bought a house in Trenton, Michigan and then moved to Riverview during their children's school years. In 1970 Bill left Great Lake Steel and took a job with Ford Motor Company at the Parts Warehouse in Brownstown Township. He worked there as a millwright and a welder, earning journeyman's cards in both disciplines, until his retirement in 1998. In retirement he had more time to play golf and read historical books and Western novels when he wasn't taking care of his home and family.But those are just the chronological facts of a selfless man who was a devoted husband of over 59 years, a wonderful supportive father to his three children, and a loving grandfather to his three grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, and Melissa. He worked a lot to provide for his family, but spent all his free time teaching his children to ride a bike, to fish, to play baseball and above all else get an education and to work hard.
Condolences
We send our deepest sympathies
To the family of Bill.
Our prayers are with you.
Gods Blessings upon all,
John and Roberta John and Roberta Schade
We are so very sorry for your loss. We remember bowling with Bill and he was always pleasant and fun to be around. Your memories of him will soon help to heal your hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lindy & Bob McCoy
Sue, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. I always thought your parents were the nicest people. Treasure your memories. Mary Tobin
SEND FLOWERS
