Lloyd Archer Merriman

LLOYD ARCHER MERRIMAN

Our father, Lloyd, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, after a long battle with emphysema. He was born in Clovis, CA on August 2, 1924, to Carl and Bessie Merriman. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Suzanne Merriman; his son and daughter-in-law, Robin and Leslie Merriman of Atlanta, GA; his daughter and son-in-law, Daryl Ann and Jack Erdman; and daughter, Lynn Kozielski of Clovis, CA; four grandchildren, Billy Jack Erdman, Megan Kozielski, Amelia Merriman, and Lily Merriman. He is also survived by three step-grandchildren, Jimmy and Matt Peterson, and Anika Jackson. Dilys Marie Merriman, his wife of 41 years, preceded him in death in 1989. Dad enjoyed a rich life filled with many adventures. He starred in football and baseball at Clovis High School and then at Stanford University where he earned All-American honors in football in 1946. It was his baseball talent however, that landed him a spot in the outfield on the Cincinnati Reds roster in 1949. His career was interrupted in 1952 when he was called back to active duty as a jet fighter pilot for the U.S. Marine Air Corps during the Korean War. He served in his fighter squad- ron with baseball great Ted Williams and future astronaut John Glenn. After returning home safely, he resumed his baseball career with Cincinnati and then with the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, finally retiring from baseball in 1956. Ever humble about his baseball and military career, Lloyd would always attribute his success to "luck" or "being in the right place at the right time". He was elected to the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame in 1968 and Clovis High School named its baseball stadium in his honor in 1993. After baseball, Lloyd started an insurance business and dabbled in other ventures, but he was always a cowboy at heart. He was happiest riding and caring for his horses in later life. Family and friends will remember that he was quick with a word of encouragement or a verbal "kick in the pants", whichever was called for, but Lloyd's style of love was never misunderstood. He was active as a sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous and as a coach for Spartan League youth football. Please join us in celebrating Lloyd's life at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 453 Hughes St. in Clovis, CA on Monday, January 26, 2004, at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Cody Gunderson will officiate and others are encouraged to remember Lloyd with their stories about his life. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: The American Lung Association, 4948 N. Arthur, Fresno, CA 93705. NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CA.CREMATION - MEMORIAL CHAPEL(559)222-7764(800)225-1604Lic. #1332