Age 75, of Riverside, CA, passed away at home on April 26, 2017, due to complications of Myasthenia Gravis. Merritt was born in Riverside in March 1942 to the late John H. (Jack) Smith and Wilda P. Smith and lived all his life there. He was a Navy veteran, and worked at Lily-Tulip/Sweetheart Cup for 30 years and at Omnitrans for 10 yrs. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Donna (Randolph) Smith who passed away in 1998. Merritt is survived by daughters: Mindy Morrow (Bill) and Lainie Thorngate (Scott), both of San Bernardino, and 4 grandchildren: Brian Morrow, Cole Hernandez, Alex Morrow, and Caitlynn Smith; 5 great- grandchildren and 1 sister Shirley. Visitation will be May 11, 2017 from 4-8pm at Acheson and Graham Mortuary in Riverside, and a graveside service will be held on May 12, 2017 at 10am at Olivewood Memorial Park Cemetery in Riverside. -
