Eric Douglas Merrell

Eric was 55 years old and was a Colorado Springs native. He was born Jan. 17, 1968, in Penrose Hospital to O.J. Merrell and Becky Maxedon.

Eric grew up moving with his family to Missouri, where he gained a brother – Travis. Then to Illinois and back to Colorado with his mom and brother in 1983.

He graduated from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs in 1986, Following graduation, Eric attended Pikes Peak Community College.

He then relocated to Milwaukee, Wisc., where he attended the University of Wisconsin and where he would eventually meet his wife, Sandra Yeager.

Eric and Sandi came to Colorado Springs in 1992, and they were married in 1994.

The couple, over the years, became engaged members of the community, participating in many charity events and supporting many worthy causes.

Eric loved music. All kinds of music. He played the trombone in junior high and high school. But his love of music didn’t stop there. He loved live music the most. Anything from ZZ Top to Rush to Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Way too many artists to name. He was always up to go to a concert or listen to a band in any local venue.

But it was his passion for great craft beer that drove him for the past several years. He opened his first brewery with partner and high school best friend Rob Beers in 2016. Whistle Pig Brewing Co. was located on Dominion Way. In June 2021, the company moved its location and changed its name to Whistle Pig Brewing TGAP and is currently located at 2117 Templeton Gap Road.

In addition to craft brewing, Eric was passionate about riding his Harley. As an active member of the Colorado Springs HOG group, Eric served as road captain on numerous occasions. Eric loved his HOG family. Together, Eric and Sandi explored Colorado and the Southwest on the bike. They partied at Sturgis and rode to Milwaukee to experience a couple of Harley birthday parties.

The first, and most memorable, thing most people noticed about Eric was his radiant smile.

Eric is missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Sandi; mom, Becky; brother Travis (Kim); Niece Joplyn and nephew Jager; and so many friends. Eric loved his family and friends with all of his heart.

A celebration of Eric’s life will take place at Whistle Pig Brewing Company T-GAP on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

The family requests that donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Eric’s name at https://impact.ccalliance.org/Eric-Merrell-Brewsters-Warriors