Thomas Edward Merick of Coloma took his final breath Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at 12:39 p.m.
He was born to the late Earnie Merick and Lavina (Vann) Minton on March 4, 1946, in Wardell, Mo. He married Shelby Jackson on Nov. 22, 1963. Together, they resided in Gary, Ind., before relocating to Coloma in 1966.
Tom served as a supervisor at New Products Corp. for 44 years, where he proudly earned the nickname "Maverick." He was also recognized in the community as a vigorous entrepreneur, cultivating two blueberry farms while opening Coloma Café in 1994.
In 1987, Tom, or Edward, as many relatives referred to him, committed his life to Christ at Hartford Church of God, where he served as bus driver and helper for the Children's Ministry. In 2000 he became a founding partner of River of Life Church alongside his brother-in-law, Pastor Doral Jackson. Tom also valued the congregation of Watervliet Free Methodist Church, as well as his friendship with Pastor Brian Hall.
Tom was a man of many interests, from raccoon hunting and ice fishing to car collecting, motorcycling, boating and metal detecting. He was a curious man, always finding projects to put his hand to. He also had a knack for repairing things and was always up for a mechanical challenge.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shelby Jean Merick of Coloma; three children: Jeffery (Becky Sue) Merick of Paw Paw, Sherry (Norman Troy) (Merick) Hammons of Watervliet and Lori Ann (Mark Raymond) (Merick) Normandin of Coloma; eight grandchildren: Jerret Hammons, Stephanie Merick, Cassandra Granke, Lindsay Merick, Justin Granke, Kailynn Merick, Camalin Normandin and Nicholas Normandin; and two great-grandchildren, London Hammons and Jack Hammons. There are also three siblings who survive Tom: Donald (Bonnie) Campbell of Kansas City, Mo.; Curtis ( Roni) Minton of Breedsville; and Michelle (Mike) Brumley of Lawrence.
Friends may visit with Tom's family from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at River of Life Church in Watervliet, where funeral services will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Burial will follow in Watervliet Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Tom's family. You may leave a memory of Tom at
hutchinsfuneral.com
. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Tom's family with arrangements.
