Morris LeRoy “Roy” Merritt Jr., 82, of Venango, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with his family by his side at Quality Life Services of Mercer after an extended illness. Roy was born in Meadville on December 26, 1943, the son of the late Morris LeRoy Merritt Sr. and Helen Angela Skebe Merritt. He attended Cambridge Springs High School with the Class of 1961 before serving in the U.S. Air Force until 1965. Roy was a heavy equipment operator and a 60-year member of Operating Engineers Local 66. He was a friend of Bill W. for more than 53 years, a lifetime member of the Crawford County Coon Hunters Association and enjoyed woodworking and maintaining his property. Roy was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by sister, JoAnn Bortner; brother, Ed Merritt; and brothers-in-law, Tom Rutter and Bernard Ester.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Lynia Rutter Merritt, whom he married on October 20, 1973; daughter, Wendy Lynia Williams and her husband, James B., of Edinboro, and their children, James Christian, Isabella, and Jacob; his son, Mark L. Merritt and his wife, Heather, of Meadville and their son, Maddox L.; his sister, Nancy Powell and her husband, John, of Meadville; his sister, Charlotte Wood and her husband, R. Douglas, of Guys Mills; his brother, Bob Merritt, of Venango; his sister-in-law, Carol Ester, of Union City; and his brother-in-law, Paul Rutter and his wife, Kathy, of Venango; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Van Matre Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs. A funeral service will be held there on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Venango VFD. The family wishes to thank the staff of Quality Life Services for the concern and care they provided for Roy. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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Douglas Smith says
July 27, 2026 at 7:54 pmRoy was such a gentleman in life, I so enjoyed talking with him. The picnics he and Laura had at their home over the years were tremendous, and very generous gatherings of friends. I’ll always be grateful for his friendship.
Julie Williams Insana says
July 27, 2026 at 8:00 pmSo sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all. We will remember the fun times at the property and the excitement he shared when showing us around!