Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.
Merritt was born to Elmer and Gladys (Van Dover) Blake on April 23, 1937, at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.
After graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna McMillan, in 1956.
In 1957, Merritt went to work for Jewett Drug Company of Aberdeen. He retired after 43 faithful years of service with the company in 2000 and was very grateful to have worked with so many wonderful people throughout his career.
Over the years, the Blakes were blessed with three children: David, Steven and Penny. In 1967, the family of five moved permanently to the Blake farm.
Merritt's true passions in life were his hobbies of hunting, fishing and gardening.
During his life, Merritt was a proud member of the Aberdeen Gun Club-Claybird Shooting League, Ringneck Coin and Stamp Club and the NRA.
Merritt was exceedingly grateful for his four grandchildren: Logan Blake (25), McKayla Hanson (15), Cole Guthrie (10) and Allie Blake (3).
Merritt is survived by his children; grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Selmer Anderson; nieces: Renee Blake and Rachel (Terry) Jundt; plus numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and one nephew.
Merritt will be forever remembered by all those whose lives he touched for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and unique, colorful "turn-of-phrase." He was a gentle, kind-hearted, generous man and considered everyone he ever met to be a personal friend.
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