gardens in Ames, with his Gravely Tractor, and playing with his grandson Cameron Merritt. Richard was a charter member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church and he helped build the church. Richard is survived by his wife Ollie of 63 years; sons, David (Retta) Merritt of Boone, and Gene (Susan Stewart) Merritt of Ames; grandson, Cameron Merritt, and step-granddaughters, Milissa Clark, Jennifer Clark, and Gwendolyn Stewart. Richard is also survived by his brother, Vernie Merritt and a sister, Leona (Merritt) Carlson, both of Story City. The family requests in lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com