David D. Merritt

David D. Merritt, 57,of Saegertown, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at home with his family by his side.

David was born in Meadville, on June 3, 1965, a son of Carmen E. and Vina E. (Lilley) Merritt.

On June 14, 1986 David married Melanie Walker; she survives.

He was a member of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, Saegertown.

David was a 1983 graduate of Saegertown High School where he was a member of the baseball, football and wrestling teams. A US veteran, David entered the Army on January 7, 1986 and served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. After being honorably discharged on January 6, 1990, he served another four years in the Army National Guard. During his service time he completed 21 jumps, and earned his Sharpshooter Badge, Hand Grenade Expert Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Parachute Badge. David went on to further his education by graduating from Edinboro University with High Honors while raising his family and working full time. For the past 33 years, and up until his death, he was employed by Greenleaf Corporation. David was known for his "perfectionist" approach to whatever task he undertook. He loved coaching young athletes, especially in wresting and girls' softball. For many years he worked as a Sports First Aider for various Saegertown sports teams. An avid outdoors man, he loved being in the woods or out on the water with his family. He was an enthusiastic sportsman in golf, archery, fishing, and hunting, especially for deer, rabbits and turkey. David's family referred to him with the words, "Poppy can fix it!" He had an extraordinary sense of what he could and could not do, and he possessed a plethora of "handyman skills". David was known to play life by the rules. He was highly competitive, but always fair in his judgments. He is, and always will be, the rock in his family. He positively touched the lives of many in his community. Even in the final days and moments of his 3 1/2 year courageous battle with cancer, David was determined to create as many positive memories with his grandsons and all of his loved ones, who meant the world to him, and he will forever live on in their hearts.

In addition to his wife, Melanie of 36 years, David is survived by his children Amber Bradshaw (Patrick), Kyle David Merritt both of Saegertown; two grandsons he cherished, Connor and Cole Bradshaw; his parents Carmen and Vina Merritt; his brother Scott A. Merritt; his parents in law Richard and Susan Walker, all of Saegertown.

He was preceded in death by his brother Carmen R. Merritt.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-6 PM on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE and on Monday December 5, 2022, from 10-11 AM at Saegertown United Methodist Church, 620 Euclid Ave, Saegertown, where Funeral Services will follow at 11 AM with Rev. Mark Fischer, Pastor of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, officiating.

David will be laid to rest in Saegertown Cemetery, with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006.

The family is most appreciative of the dedicated professional services provided through the years by Dr. Paul Oyler, Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, Dr. Ohr of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Hospice of Crawford County.

Memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St. or Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Road, both in Meadville, PA 16335 or Saegertown Wrestling Boosters, 18079 Mook Rd., Saegertown, PA 16433.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com