Brandon Michael Merritt

1997 - 2016

Brandon Michael Merritt, age 19, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, passed away on May 25, 2016 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born on March 30, 1997, in San Antonio, Texas, and became a resident of Hawaii in 2012, and Alaska in 2007. He loved Alaska so much that he relocated back to Anchorage in early May 2016 in order to establish himself on his own and pursue his goals and dreams. Brandon graduated from Clark Middle School in 2011; attended East High School his freshman year; and graduated from James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, in 2015. Brandon played basketball for Clark Middle School, Campbell High School and for AAU League AK Shooters with the Alaska Youth Development Program. He was a member of the International City of Refuge Christian Church in Waipahu, Hawaii, under Dr. Wayne E. Anderson as his Pastor. Brandon knew no stranger and loved everyone. He kept a smile on his face and always had an encouraging word. Whenever you saw Brandon he was smiling, with his earphones in his ears and/or dancing. Brandon's passion was basketball, as well as music, poetry and a heart for helping the homeless and anyone in need. Brandon Merritt is survived by his mother, Dr. Angela J. Naki; his father, Thomas D. Merritt Jr. (Shon); sisters, Briana Merritt-Eugene (Jeffery) and Shaina Merritt; brother, Tarren Merritt; maternal grandfather, Morris Brooks (Marsha); paternal grandmother, Dr. Mary Deveaux (Leslie); paternal grandfather, Thomas D. Merritt Sr. (Vikki); niece, Ava Eugene; his loyal pet dog, Jazz; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly. Memorial Services will be held in Brandon's honor on June 9, 2016, at 2 p.m., at the Hickam AFB Chapel, 180 Kuntz Ave. Bldg. 1750, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI. 96853; phone number 808-449-1754. Please visit Brandon's online memorial at www.AlaskanFuneral.com. Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory.