Herman F Merritt

Herman F. Merritt

Herman F. Merritt, 74, of Newton, passed away Saturday (July 18, 2009) at Newton Medical Center.

He was born on April 13, 1935, in Whitewater, the son of Jesse and Grace (Hylton) Merritt. They preceded him in death.

He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953. He attended El Dorado Junior College, then received his bachelor's degree from Bethel College of North Newton, and later his master's degree from Wichita State University.

Herman married Ruth Osburn on Oct. 19, 1954, in Whitewater.

He started teaching math and science at Whitewater Grade School in the upper grades. In 1970, he transferred to Remington High School, where he taught history and government. He became the principal at Whitewater Elementary and Middle School from 1977 until his retirement in 1993.

He was a member of the Federated Church, where he served on the board at one time. He also served on the Whitewater City Council.

He was an avid gardner, enjoyed traveling the world and loved his dashchund hound dogs.

They relocated to Newton after his wife suffered a severe stroke in 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Merritt of Newton; sister, Laverne and husband, Irvin, Mosiman of Whitewater; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He also was preceded in death by a nephew, Sam Kitterman.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home in Whitewater.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Federated Church in Whitewater.

Interment will be at Whitewater Cemetery.

Memorial fund has been established for the church in care of Lamb Funeral Home, P.O. Box 358, Whitewater, KS 67154.