Ronald Allen "Ron" Merrill, 76, of Allegan, MI passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Briarwood Assisted Living surrounded by family. Born March 9, 1942 in Allegan, MI, he was the son of the late Floyd and Mildred (VanKeuren) Merrill and was the husband of Joyce (Bowditch) Merrill. Ron was a graduate of Wayland High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University, even though he was an avid fan of University of Michigan athletics. Ron dedicated his working life to enriching the lives of young students as a teacher, athletic director and coach at Martin Public Schools. He also taught drivers education, both through the school system and at Century Driving School. Ron's commitment to athletics in Martin was truly remarkable and there was likely a sport that he did not coach at some point during his tenure. One of the many highlights of his career came during the 1996 and 1997 school year when he was the co-director of the MHSAA State Wrestling Finals. Ron was also proud to have been inducted into the Martin Hall of Fame for his years of service to the community. He was a member of the Kentwood Community Church, and was also actively involved in Winding Creek Camp in Hastings. Ron had a fun loving spirit and always had a joke, one-liner or story to share. Ron loved spending time with his family and will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. Above all else, Ron loved his Lord and Savior, and his faith made him the man he was. In addition to his wife of nearly 52 years, Mr. Merrill is survived by his children, Robert "Rob" Merrill and wife Jennie, Jennifer Lawson and Jaclyn Johnston and husband Jake; a sister, Mary Merrill; seven grandchildren, Jacob Merrill, Sally Merrill, MaKayla Lawson, Marvin Lawson, Megan Johnston, Macy Johnston and Matthew Johnston; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th Street SE, Kentwood on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation for one hour prior. Private committal services will be held at Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township. Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association West Michigan Chapter, 678 Front Avenue, Suite 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49504; Winding Creek Camp, c/o Aileen Coffey, 161 Summit Street, Allegan, MI 49010; or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Boulevard, Holland, MI 49423. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation Details

Thursday, September 20th, 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel

Thursday, September 20th, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel

Friday, September 21st, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am, Kentwood Community Church

Service Information

Friday, September 21st, 2018 11:00am, Kentwood Community Church

Interment Details

Friday, September 21st, 2018, Hudson Corners Cemetery