Larry Merrill

L arry M errill, age 83, of Sutherland, passed away at home after a battle with spine/bone cancer on March 28, 2021.

Larry was born to Ray and Ruth Merrill in Sacramento, CA, on August 28, 1937. He grew up on a farm, which his dad bought in 1941, just north of Sutherland. Larry or 'Corky' as he was known to the family, told many stories of playing on the North Platte River and "Corky's Pond" located on the old farm. He loved fishing and shooting guns (he got his first pistol at age 9). He had 4-H prize hogs which he sold at auction and always received top dollar because of his hard work.

Larry met his bride, Margie, on a blind date and that night he went home and told his momma, " I met the girl I'm going to marry." They married on May 3, 1957, and just last year they celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Margie was the love of his life.

Larry enjoyed moving. He left Nebraska and went to California, spent some years in Colorado and Oregon, and had short stays in Arizona, Iowa, Montana and Nevada. Larry never did anything half way, any job he had he worked hard to be the best he could be. Throughout his life he owned his own roofing, logging and handyman businesses.

Larry was also an artistic man with many talents who loved to work with his hands. He made gun grips, gun rests and holsters, and created artwork with wood. In his later years, he took up painting and painted beautiful mountain scenes. He was known for his perfect detail.

Larry loved the outdoors, hanging out at the ocean and in the mountains. He spent hours fishing, rock hunting and finding purple glass. He was the best husband, dad and grandpa we could ever have!

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruth Merrill; brother, Phillip Merrill; and infant daughter, Crystal Lea.

He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Marjorie of Sutherland; their children, Jole (Lulu) Merrill of Cedar City, UT, Christina (Brian) Holley of Brighton, CO, and Shawn Merrill (Deb Sell) of Wellington, CO; grandchildren, Melissa (Jon) Scottorn, Brianna (Neal) Stanfield, Samuel (Rachel) Holley and Johnny Merrill; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Phyllis (Harlan) Dancer of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Marian Merrill, of Hershey; and many other family members.

Cremation was chosen.  A gathering of family and friends will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the family for later designation.