Ray Merrell
March 2, 1944 ~ July 6, 2018
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Ray Merrell, 74, passed away July 6, 2018 at home encircled by family.
Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Beth Merrell, his children Joseph (Laura), Donna (Michael), Robert (Amanda), and grandchildren Madison, Adam, Blaise and Genevieve along with his eldest sibling Louise Sharp.
Ray was born on March 3, 1944 to Lloyd Merrell & Margaret Schwegel in Evanston, IL.
Preceded in death by: Son Bryan, Parents Lloyd Merrell, Margaret Schwegel, along with step parent Anthony Greco and sister Betty Wilson VonBargen.
PERSONAL
Ray proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1967 -- 1969 as a part of the 25th Infantry Division of the US Army. Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal (declined).
Ray a former 30 year resident of Oak Park, Illinois where he was an active member of Ascension Parish, VietNow Berwyn Cicero Chapter and a career employee of International Business Machines.
Known as the man who could do or fix anything, the 'MacGyver' of repairs where everything could be fixed with either duct tape or a coat hanger, a master woodworker of his own right designing everything from hope chests, custom bookcases, church pulpits to custom beds, he was ever the practical joker and will be remembered as a hard working engineer, the most amazing friend and neighbor who was always ready to volunteer to a committee or for any organization near and dear to his heart. Ray was a supportive brother, loving husband, and exceptional father.
MEMBERSHIPS
Active Member of VFW #7305, St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Rye, Colorado and Homeowners Association Member of Hatchet Ranch.
Services:
A Celebration of life for Ray Merrell will be held on
Tuesday, July 10th 2018
2:00 pm viewing followed by 3:00 pm Mass, interment and reception at:
St. Aloysius Catholic Church
8006 Hwy 165
Rye, CO 81069
In lieu of flowers please donate to Misericorida Heart of Mercy Chicago, IL via Memorial Donations at https://www.misericordia.com/service/contact.aspx or dollya@misericordia.com or any Military Veterans support organization.
Beth, this is Don Kieffer. I left for Germany on July 4. I got back last week. Have been trying to call, but no answer. Please call again. Carol has also passed away from cancer. I am so sorry for you and will certainly keep you and Ray in my prayers
Beth, this is Don Kieffer. I left for Germany on July 4. I got back last week. Have been trying to call, but no answer. Please call again. Carol has also passed away from cancer. I am so sorry for you and will certainly keep you and Ray in my prayers
Beth, this is Don Kieffer. I left for Germany on July 4. I got back last week. Have been trying to call, but no answer. Please call again. Carol has also passed away from cancer. I am so sorry for you and will certainly keep you and Ray in my prayers
It is always hard to lose a loved one. But I have to remind myself that they are in a better place and I am only feeling sorry for myself and not for the loved one. If I was wise, I’d think of them first, but I’m not. I will miss you Uncle Ray!
Our sympathy and special prayers for Ray and all his friends and family.
May the peace of Jesus be with Ray as he now sings with the angels! Our prayers go out to the entire family – especially Beth and children – upon this significant loss. We know that Ray will be welcomed into the Merrell Family heavenly embrace. Blessings and Love to all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You two made us feel so welcome at church. A kind man and artist will be missed.
A splendid guy and a splendid family.
God bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. It is sad that Ray and so many of the people that we worked with at IBM are now gone.
How lucky we were to have known Ray during his many years at Ascension Church. He was an indispensable member of the maintenance committee. I got to work first hand with him installing a 12’ crucifix and also designing a stage for a concert series. Ray and Beth got us involved in fundraising for Misericordia. He was a great guy to so many people.
Joe
Kathy and I have you and your whole family in our thoughts and prayers and we are truly sorry for your loss.