Cremation has already taken place per Fred’s request. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, NE.

A memorial has been established for the Grace Episcopal Church. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.

Fred passed away on September 24, 2018 at Chadron Community Hospital in Chadron, NE. He was born on June 8, 1934 in Chadron, NE.

Fred was born at home on June 8, 1934 to Ferdinand M. Merritt Jr. and Elvina Marie (Deen) Merritt in Chadron. Fred graduated from Chadron High School in 1952 and continued his education at Chadron State College before graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. Fred then worked for the Iowa State Highway Commission in Ames, IA before entering the United States Navy. Ensign Merritt’s first duty station was Japan. He then was transferred to Port Hueneme, CA, and there he met and married Barbara Lundeen of Oxnard, CA. Fred’s next duty stations were Guam, USN Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA, Vietnam, San Bruno, Monterey, CA, Washington, DC, Iceland, and USN Ammunition Depot in Hawthorn, NV.

Fred returned to Chadron in 1977 and operated and owned Ted’s Pizza and Daisy Queen for eight years.

He is survived by wife Barbara; daughters Rae Ann (Stephan) Casurella, Sheryl Lynn (Bob) McCanless; son Ronald Wayne (Deborah) Merritt; grandchildren Ryan and Aidan Casurella, Zachary, Christopher, Tommy, and Kathleen McCanless, and Daniel and Emily Merritt; and sister Barbara (Bill) Brunsvold.

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Frederick “Fred” Deen Merritt.