Obituaries - Wednesday, June 17
Richard Lewis Merritt
August 28, 1941 - June 12, 2026
Richard Lewis Merritt, of Salina, KS, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s. Dick was born on August 28, 1941, in Washington, KS.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen of the home, and children: Vicki (Mike) Jones, Plainville, KS, Gary (Brenda) Merritt, Hickman, NE, Keith (Michelle) Merritt, Broomfield, CO, Scott (Amber) Merritt, Omaha, NE, Karen (Sherwin) Pestka, Meridian, ID; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Pruser; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Merritt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Jessie (McClaughry) Merritt, Jeralyn Merritt, and four brothers.
Dick graduated from high school in Linn, KS, and then remained self-taught. He worked for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey team and then on to Bankers Systems for many years.
He was also active in his church and his community, living many years in Hays before moving to Salina. Dick will be remembered for his gregarious personality and willing hand.
A memorial gathering will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church,1000 Burr Oak Ln, Salina KS.
Inurnment will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Washington City Cemetery, 1754 16th Road, one mile south of US 36 on Highway 15 in Washington, KS.
Memorials can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, the American Heart Association, or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in honor of Dick, care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Ryan Mortuary