Dickey Dean Merritt

April 7, 1935 – December 7, 2024

On the morning of Saturday, December 7, 2024, Dickey Dean Merritt cast off the lines of this earthly life and was joyfully welcomed into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God for the abundant years He granted to Dick and the many lives he touched through his steadfast faith, humor, and generosity.

Born on April 7, 1935, in Marinette, WI, Dick was the second of six children born to Delmar and Marjorie (Phillips) Merritt. From his earliest days, he possessed a curious mind and a kind heart. He graduated from Indiana Central College in 1958 with a degree in Education and later earned his master’s degree in U.S. History from Indiana University.

On August 16, 1958, Dick married Patricia Wilbur of Columbus, Indiana, and the couple made their home in Indianapolis. Together, they raised three children: Gregory, Teresa, and Brian.

Dick began his teaching career at Flackville Elementary School in Indianapolis teaching 6th grade. He spent the rest of his teaching career at Speedway Junior High where he taught 7th grade Social Studies until his retirement in 1998. In addition, for many of those years he served as athletic director, basketball coach, and co-led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the school. Dick was a highly respected teacher, educating not only the minds of the students, but touching their lives in a way that they and their parents valued for years to come. He was also blessed to develop lifelong friendships among his colleagues.

Beyond the classroom, Dick found joy in fishing. Whether reeling in catches from Indiana’s lakes or Florida’s shores, he relished the peace and wonder of God’s creation. This love for fishing reflected his calling as a "fisher of men," a role he embraced wholeheartedly as he shared his faith with others, striving to lead them to the abundant grace of Jesus Christ.

Dick also had a deep love for history, collecting artifacts of the past, such as autograph books and journals, and tracing his family's roots through genealogy. But he also enjoyed people of the present. Dick was known for his friendly demeanor and cheerful heart. No one was a stranger for long, whether in the neighborhood, on the street, or at the grocery store. And no one was safe from his jokes and good-natured teasing.

Music was another thread woven into the fabric of Dick's life. He enjoyed not only listening but also raising his own fine voice in song with others. Above all, Dick treasured the grace received from his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was devoted to following his Savior, and seeking to grow in his knowledge of Him through reading and studying the Bible.

Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Gregory (Vicki) Merritt of Brownsburg, IN, Teresa (Michael) Schmid of Napa, CA, and Brian Merritt and partner Frankie Thomas of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marilyn Walrich of Fort Wayne, IN, Mary (Stanley) Wilson of Rome City, IN, and Becky Hartigan of LaGrange, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Delmar and Phillip Merritt; brothers-in-law Glen Walrich and Wayne Hartigan; daughter-in-law Jill Merritt; granddaughter Kaytlyn Merritt; and great-grandson Coy Gregory.

A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life and faith will be held at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsburg, IN, on January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Scholarship of Speedway, Inc., 5300 Crawfordsville Rd. Suite 200, Speedway, IN 46224 in the memory of Dick Merritt, or the American Cancer Society.

Just as Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, Dick answered the call, casting out his net of love, kindness, and faith to all he encountered. May his life continue to inspire us to do the same.