BORN

1977

DIED

2012

Joshua Merritt Obituary

Joshua W. Merritt

MANSFIELD: Joshua W. Merritt, age 34, resident of Mansfield died Sunday May 6, 2012 in MedCentral/Mansfield Hospital.

Born September 27, 1977 in Mansfield he had been a Mansfield area resident for most of his life. Josh was a painter with Appleseed Painting and enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his "little buddy" Mason. He was a very loving and caring person that was always available to help anyone in need.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Vicki (McKinney) and Jerry Blankenship of Niota, TN; his father Brian Merritt of Mansfield; his girlfriend, Leigha Seamans of Mansfield; daughter, Aaliyah Merritt of Louisiana; siblings, Christopher Merrit and Madilynn Blankenship both of Niota, Brian Merritt, Jr., Crystal Lloyd and June Myers, all of Mansfield, and Shawna Canta of Tennessee; grandparents, Don and Wilma McKinney of Shelby; great-grandmother, Lucille Johnson of Ontario; aunts, uncles and other relatives and his close "Bros" including best friend, Aaron Stitzel.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Tyler "Sonny" and Rosella Merritt, and his great-grandfather, Arlie Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM from the Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby. His friend and pastor, Joe Esarey of the Community Bible Church, will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial expressions may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.

Published by News Journal on May 9, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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R.I.P Josh

April madden

May 15, 2012

Rip josh. Prayers for the family during This sad time. Gone but not forgotten.

joanna townzen

May 12, 2012

such a tragedy!
didnt kno him.. just want to say, God Bless his family & I'm praying for all his loved ones..

May 12, 2012

I never knew you personally, and now that you're gone, I'll never get the chance. Even though I never you, I loved you because you were my family. You're a hero for what you did. RIP Josh

Stephen McKinney

May 11, 2012

We will all miss you josh some more than others but we all miss you.

Kyle Criss

May 11, 2012

our thoughts and prayers r for u Brian & Vicki. Josh was a wonderful man and will be missed but never forgotten!RIP Josh

mary jo & matt grimes

May 11, 2012

my heart goes out to you Bryan. I will keep your family in my prayers

KATHY ELKINS

May 11, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Brian, at this very,very heart breaking time. Parents should not have to bury their children. May God give you and your family comfort.

Mike and Ristie Chuhaloff

May 11, 2012

love to all RIP JOSH

May 11, 2012

My Thoughts and prayers go out to you all RIP Josh your laugfther will not be forgotten

Kelly Dean (Coleman)

May 11, 2012

RIP josh you where a good guy and a great friend you will be missed but never forgotten

Eric

May 10, 2012

Thoughts and prayers to all the family!! Keep up your faith in God. love, Jewell and Tom Edwards.

jewell edwards

May 10, 2012

Stay strong Vicki we are thinking about you.

Joe and Jane

May 10, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love David & Becky Rose, Alana & Robert Elliott & Family

Becky Rose

May 10, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bobby Lowe

May 10, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Merritt family! RIP Josh!

Julie Cornell

May 10, 2012

RIP

Nicole

May 10, 2012

I send my sympathy to the family...sorry about your loss though I only met josh a cpl times he was a nice guy. Love , your cousin steves' ex wife

B Stephens

May 10, 2012

may u rest in peace.....

anni (limpach) johnson

May 10, 2012

Josh was a good man. Even when he was "down" he was still one of the most positive people I knew. I met Josh in grade school and was so fortunate to reconnect with him over the last few years. He was the kind of friend you hope you will be lucky enough to have in life. I can't express my sympathy to his loved ones strongly enough. No words would be adequate to offer any comfort anyway. RIP Josh, you will always be remembered.

Meri Etzwiler Herren

May 10, 2012

I knew this young man when he was just a young boy.I was shocked when I heard of his passing.You're family is in my thoughts and prayers.What a tragic loss!

Bryan Bloom

May 10, 2012

I will miss you bro. You left us way to soon. See you again in the next life.

Donnie Tabor

May 10, 2012

Michelle & Casey

May 10, 2012

I watched Josh grow up with my daughter,sweet,rambuncous typical boy who had his mama wrapped around his little finger.His mama was my best friend for many yrs. and we had recently reunited,so as a man,
{I didn't have the privelage to know him}but if he was anything like his mama,he was a wonderful,caring,compassionate human being!May God watch over all of you and give you the strength to endure what is ahead and heal the hearts and and help ease their pain! Sonya

May 10, 2012

I have no words to describe the sorrow felt by his Grandma Johnson, Grandpa McKinney and me.

Wilma McKinney

May 9, 2012

I met Josh one time at my great grandson's birthday party, but he was a friend of some of my family. Such a terrible loss of a good man. I believe I went to school with his grandfather, Don Mckinney in Plymouth. My deepest condolences,

judi Broderick-Chumbley

May 9, 2012

Vicki, A Wilma and family...I still can't believe all of this happened! He was a sweetheart! If you guys need anything, let me know! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love ya!

Jari McKinney Amburgey

May 9, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to josh's family ,he will be missed......Yes Automotive

lee litteral

May 9, 2012

My Condolences to you Brian and family my prayers are with you all in this sorrowful event.Love Cheryl (Sherry Jones) Garcia of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Cheryl Garcia

May 9, 2012

Josh was a great friend to my boyfriend, David Ramey. Josh had an amazing smile, and was always laughing. I hadn't seen him in a while, but it saddens me to know that I never will again. RIP to a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family :(.

Melody Boals

May 9, 2012

REST IN PEACE AND RIDE ON BRO

Scooter Collins

May 9, 2012

I have never met Joshua,from what I have read he was a nice young man,and a "Dad" whom loved everyone,and giving his life to help another.My prayers with the families and friends.God comfort each one,and bring peace at this time of sorrow and sadness,

Ann Lee

May 9, 2012

I did not know Josh, but am friends with Chris. I wish to send my deepest condolences to your family in this time of great loss. God bless you all.

Nancy Bautista

May 9, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with ur family He was such a great friend to have he would do.anything for anybody R.I.P Joshua u will be sadly miss but never forgotten love ya The Pointer Family

Debbie Pointer

May 9, 2012

Ill miss you brother, too bad we didnt get to finish your tattoo,but ill finish you up someday in heaven when i get there and run into you. See you again one day my brother!!!

Tatmatt Morley

May 9, 2012

I can't believe I'm sitting here signing a guest book in your memory. You went far too soon Josh! You were an amazing friend, boyfriend to Leigha & a father to Mase. You will be greatly missed & loved by so many, and thought about always. Bad things really do happen to good people, rest in peace Josh.

Sarah Charley

May 9, 2012

U were an amazing person always smiling and would do nything to help nyone! We all Love an Miss u very much Josh! U will never be forgotten an will always be remembered as the man we all knew u was!

Sarah Adkins

May 9, 2012

I never knew you or met you but I know and love your mom and I heard her talk about you a lot. I pray that your family can find some comfort knowing you are with God now.

Stacy Costner

May 9, 2012

R.I.P. Josh...you will be missed...my thoughts & prayers go out to all your loved ones and those whose lives you have touched...May God Bless you all Always!

Doroty Fry

May 9, 2012

Sorry for ur loss guys. I will do all i can for u. Josh and i had many conversations over the years and he was always caring. I hate that u r going through this. My heart goes out to u. May God put his arms around u in this time of need and guide u to a brighter day. No matter what i will always hold ur family close to my heart for special readons

Tonia Gabrel

May 9, 2012

Rip josh already posted once but figured i would light a candle for yu. Its weird knowin that i cant talk to yu anymore. I will meet yu one day! Love yu bro n law :'(

Noel Merritt

May 9, 2012

We love you josh ...you will be missed.

joseph gerrell

May 9, 2012

I will never forget tha times we had growin up together I've learned alot from my big brother. We may have lived miles apart tha last few years but we always stayed close. I try to keep my head up jus thinkin ur lookin down on me. You may be gone but will never be forgottin & until we meet again brother I will keep you alive in memory.,i miss & love you brother rest in peace

Chris Merritt

May 9, 2012

miss you so bad bro,... i still cant grasp why this had to happen. you will never be forgotten my friend rest in peace josh

aron Conwell

May 9, 2012

The little time we did spend togather was awsome. You made me smile you made me laugh and most of all you warmed my heart Becuz I know you were a true friend. You are in my heart and always never forgotten. Sincerely your friend n Bro.

Shawn Ous

May 9, 2012

The little time we did spend togather was awsome. You made me smile you made me laugh and most of all you warmed my heart Becuz I know you were a true friend. You are in my heart and always never forgotten. Sincerely your friend n Bro.

Shawn Ous

May 9, 2012

You will be missed by many and my prayers go out to your loved ones... you were an amaziner person and ur smile alone kept me going for a long time....

May 9, 2012

Josh was a child hood friend of mine. We had a lot of fun times together, and with Chris. Finally got back in touch with each other a while back. Glad I was able to talk to you one last time buddy. See you again one day my friend. Watch over your moma, she is going to need you to give her strength. <3

Natasha Ostrander

May 9, 2012

I love u brother!! You are missed and loved by so many people!! I know your in a batter place looking down and keeping everyone safe!! U were the best friend anyone could ever ask for!! I love you bro!! Ill see you again one day!! I miss u so much!! :'(

aaron stitzel

May 9, 2012

Praying for your family. May God bless

Melissa Hedge

May 9, 2012

My prayers are with you and your family

Angela Maggiacomo

May 9, 2012

R.I.P Josh only met you once but knew that you were a great guy! Thoughts and prayers to all friends and family!!

Richard Spayde

May 9, 2012

I would talk to josh almost daily im gonna miss talkin ta him. Cant believe he is gone i am proud to call him my brother in law.

Noel Merritt

May 9, 2012

Rest in peace Josh. Prayers to your family during this very hard time

Eric and Mandy Pruett

May 9, 2012

R.I.P JOSH

May 9, 2012

Gone but never for got:) R i p john

Ashley Robinson

May 9, 2012

I will never forget the first time I met Josh. He treated me like he had known me all his life. He was a wonderful person to have had the pleasure of meeting. May you rest in peace Josh. My heart felt prayers go out to you Vicki and the rest of your family.

Anita Smothers

May 9, 2012

Love you guys your in my prayers

Tanya Spears

May 9, 2012

Rip Josh. Thinking of Leigha, Mason & the whole Merritt family .

Skyy , Chris & Ashtyn Huffman

May 9, 2012

I will never forget tha times we had together growin up I've learned alot from my big brother. Although we lived miles apart tha last few years we stayed in contact & remained as close as we always have. I keep my head up jus to think ur lookin down on me. I will keep you alive in memory untill I see you again. I, miss & love you brother you may be gone but you will never be forgottin

Chris Merritt

May 9, 2012

Miss u bro!

bubber hamm

May 9, 2012

My darkest time in my life was josh giving a sense of humor. Gonna miss him. God i pray you find him and comfort him and his family. Love ya josh merrit. -rosi

anonymous

May 9, 2012

I will never forget his radiating smile and humor!! it was his gift to everyone he encountered! he was a great friend with such a caring heart! my thoughts and prayers go out to his family!! and to josh, I will always remember you man!! and cherish all the fun times we had!! until I see you again.....

Leslie Osborne

May 9, 2012

My Prayers are with you<3 when I was younger I spent alot of time with the Merrits so sorry for your loss.-rhonda adkins{mansfield,ohio}

May 9, 2012

Josh was funny, a good dad & friend, kind at heart & will be missed. My prayers go out 2 the family. Always be proud that he had a big heart & was always willing 2 help someone in need. =0) God bless y'all !

Missy Rice

May 9, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

patty lewis-dunson

May 9, 2012

R.I.P josh. My heart goes out to this family

Ashley Bond

May 9, 2012

U will be missed

amber kanz

May 9, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

amanda shindeldecker

May 9, 2012

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