Byron W. Merritt

Staunton: Byron W. Merritt, 69, passed away at 1:54pm on Monday, November 14, 2016, at his residence. He was born on January 15, 1947, in El Paso, Texas, the son of the late Raymond and Margaret (Porter) Merritt. He married the former Dinah Cornwell on September 21, 1984, in Wickliffe, Kentucky, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters and sons in law: Diana and Jeff Helton of Mounds, Illinois, Roxanna and Johnny Doyle of Pulaski, Illinois, two sons and daughters in law: Byron Dell and Leigh Merritt of Elizabethtown, Illinois, George and Shawnda Fritz of Staunton, fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, two sisters and a brother in law: Jennifer Helton of Mounds, Illinois, Judy and Sam Hicks of Mounds, one brother and sister in law: Kenny and Rita Merritt of Urbandale, Illinois, a half - sister: Ruby Kohlhass of Coulterville, Illinois, two half – brothers and their spouses: Robert and Anne Helton of Mounds, Illinois, Jeff and Diana Helton of Mounds, Illinois. Byron was formerly employed as a maintenance worker for Hebenstreit Apartments in Benld. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister: Peachy. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family.