William J. Merritt

William J. "Bill" Merritt, 92, of Park Hills, formerly of North St. Louis County, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at his home. He was born Thursday, August 17, 1922 in St. Louis to the late William W. and Effie M. (Goggins) Merritt. Also preceding him in death are his wife, of over 60 years, Glenda L. (Crump) Merritt; son, Dr. Miles Jason Merritt; sister, Bertha W. Lind. He was a member of the former Moline Baptist Church and a teacher in the St. Louis Public School System for 35 years until his retirement. He served his country in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. As a member of the 1st Marine Division, he served in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII at Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Bill was a Lifetime member of the Marine Corps League and American Legion Post #444. He will be fondly remembered as "Uncle Billy". Bill is survived by daughter, Brenda Jane Lee and husband Don; granddaughter, Heather Marie Brown and husband Will; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert J. Merritt, and Benny Merritt and wife Wanda. Visitation will be Monday, December 8, 2014 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Herb McMillian officiating at C.Z. Boyer & Son Caldwell Chapel in Park Hills. Interment is scheduled for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with Full Military Honors at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers,memorials can be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.com. "SEMPER FI" View obituary and share condolences online at www.www.czboyer.com.