Michael Kent Merrell

LEWISTOWN, Mo. -- Michael Kent Merrell, 61, of Lewistown, died Sunday (May 29, 2011) in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 29, 1950, in Warrenton, a son of Vincent Lyle and Marjorie Bernice Brotherton Merrell. He and Diana "Annie" Frisby were united in marriage on July 4, 1974, at First Christian Church in Lewistown.

He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1968. Mike worked in the heavy construction equipment business for more than 26 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, playing pool and shuffleboard, and most of all spending time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; two sons, Brent Merrell and his wife, Regina, of Benton and Cory Merrell and his wife, Amanda, of Norfolk, Va.; a daughter, Lacey Riepe of Blue Springs; a brother, Steve Merrell and his wife, Colette, of Canton; a sister, Karen Eggen and her husband, Kelly, of Peoria, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Addison and Harper Merrell of Norfolk and Reagan Riepe of Blue Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Johnny Merrell and George Tucker.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Friday in the Ball-Davis Funeral Home, Ewing, with the Rev. Tim Smith conducting. Burial will be in Mark's Cemetery in La Grange.

VISITATION: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Ball-Davis Funeral Home, Ewing.

MEMORIALS: Ewing First Baptist Church in care of Ball-Davis Funeral Home, Ewing.

ARRANGEMENTS: Ball-Davis Funeral Home, Ewing.

WEBSITE: www.davis-fh.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.