Merrill was born on July 13, 1948, in Spann Hill, KY, the son of Elmer and Lydia (Richardson) Roberts. He married Paula Edmonds on April 28, 1979.
Merrill graduated from Pleasant Plains High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a Corporation Specialist for the State of Illinois for 27 years until his retirement in 2018. Merrill was a character, and his greatest thrill was talking and telling great stories. He enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, and action movies.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Orville Roberts; and sisters, Erlene Pyle, Wilma Roberts, and Lois Creel.
He is survived by his wife, Paula of Springfield; brother, Odell (Ruby) Roberts of Pleasant Plains; caregiver, Tammy; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Sophie.
Private family services were held with burial at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
