NORMAN H. MERRITT

Norman Harry Merritt June 16, 1933 - May 15, 2015 GRANGER - Norman Harry Merritt passed on Friday, May 15, 2015, in his Granger, IN, home surrounded by his family. Norman and Bessie resided in their Granger home for many years. He was born to Arthur K. Merritt and Carrie (Heath) Merritt on June 16, 1933, at Epworth Hospital in South Bend, IN.

Norman attended Central High School, South Bend, where he played football and was an All-City Track Award Recipient. Norman attended New Mexico State Teachers College.

On September 29, 1951, he married the love of his life, Bessie Ruth Cottrell. Norm and Bess first met in grammar school and were devoted in marriage for 64 years.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Kathleen Ann Merritt (1958-1993).

Norman is survived by his wife, Bess; and his son, Norman Dennis Merritt (Mary Lou Wilder) of Mishawaka, IN; and their children, Norman Dennis Merritt, Douglas Arthur Merritt (Ann Skrzeszew-ski-Merritt), and Natalie Elizabeth Merritt-Sullivan (Christopher Sullivan); his great-grandchildren including Aaron Patrick Merritt, Amelia Bryn Merritt, Noah Christopher Sullivan, Ivy Elizabeth Sullivan and Keegan Heath Sullivan, who was blessed to meet his great-grandfather prior to his sudden passing on May 15. Also surviving is a grandson, Nathan Daniel Merritt (son of Kathleen), who Norman and Bess so lovingly raised as their own son.

Norman entered the United States Air Force on the 4th day of May, 1951. He graduated from the Office of Special Investigations, Washington, D.C., in 1964, serving as Special Agent including tours of duty in Japan, Canada, Vietnam and Thailand, with his last post in South Bend, IN, and retiring in 1973. Norman was devoted and proud of his Air Force military career.

Following his official retirement from the Air Force, he served as General Manager of Gilbert's Clothing Store in South Bend, IN, and Head of Safety and Security at St. Joseph Mishawaka Hospital. He also enjoyed volunteering there after his retirement. Norman was also Co-Owner of Med-Claims Express in South Bend, IN. He was a member of Harris Prairie Church of Christ, Granger, IN, River Park Church of Christ, South Bend, IN, and Clay United Methodist Church, South Bend, IN. His passion in life included the collecting and restoring of vintage bicycles, coin collecting, and spending time with his family. Norman was a treasure to his family, friends and associates. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31st, from 2-3 PM, with a memorial service starting at 3 PM, followed by Air Force military honors at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Road. To send condolences or for directions, please visit www.McGannHay.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from May 23 to May 30, 2015.

02/10/2023 EJS