Goshen, IN - Firmer H. Merrick, 98, of Goshen, passed away at home on Monday, June 29.

He was born on Nov. 22, 1927, in Elkhart to the late Forrest and Caroline (Sensenbaugh) Merrick.

Also preceding him in death are one sister, Iona Wesley; and four brothers, Forrest, Welmer, Eldon and Francis Merrick; and a son in law, Thomas Hellinga.

On May 6, 1950, Firmer married Dolores J. Russo in Elkhart. She died on Aug. 24, 2021, after 71 years of marriage.

He is survived by four daughters, Catherine (William) Oxidine of Oklahoma, Marti Merrick of Goshen, Kristin (Richard) Kessler of Ohio and Julie Hellinga of Plymouth, Indiana: five sons, Michael (Patti) Merrick of Georgia, Mark (Eva) Merrick of Michigan, Matthew (Delores) Merrick of Wisconsin, William Shannon (Lynne) Merrick of Florida and John Merrick of Goshen. Also surviving are nineteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Doris Maddux of Elkhart, Dorothy Doust of Texas and Thelma Bohli of New York.

Firmer was a mechanical engineer for CTS before his retirement.

Upon retirement, he owned and operated the Bower Street Liquor Store.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, where he was a member and past president of the Holy Name Society as well as the Building Committee.

An expert woodworker, he built many fine pieces of furniture that his family will treasure for many years to come. He also built his family home from the ground up, with some assistance from his children.

He will be remembered as a wonderful father who enjoyed being with his family, especially his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Merrick will be held on Wednesday, July 8, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Elkhart, where the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m.

Visitation will also be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Elkhart.

The Rev. Craig Borchard will officiate; and Firmer will be laid to rest next to his beloved Dolores in St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Firmer may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.