Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Samuel R. Merrill Jr.
Samuel R. Merrill Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Samuel Merrill Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vicki Genow
December 3, 2023
Just moved back to the area and was heartbroken to here about Sam, he was our favorite anchor. So very sorry for your loss.
Sue Smith
March 5, 2020
A man who we will never forget.. When we lost you it was like we lost a close family member.. You will never be forgotten...
Cathy Isaac
February 20, 2020
Miss your smiling face. You were loved by the community.
Eve
April 1, 2016
Sam was definitely the best anchor of all anchors out there. Watched him for years and we were fb friends. Even more impressed with what a truly great and genuine person he was. He is so missed.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Lealla Gawne
February 29, 2016
A very great loss for our community and area. Always enjoyed watching him on the tv5. Sending condolences and prayers to his wife son and his family members.
Vanessa Johnson
February 29, 2016
I will miss your smile and your voice, the news will never be the same. Your family has my heartfelt condolences.
F Truss
March 6, 2016
Thoughts & prayers to the family.
Dave and Barb Nelson
March 3, 2016
Prayers to the family of Sam Merrill. Sam will definitely be missed. RIP Sam!!
March 3, 2016
thanks for all the memories rip
L A
March 2, 2016
RIP, Sam Merrill, Jr.
Markus Kurtz
March 2, 2016
Such a GREAT MAN! The Tri-City area is mourning your loss.
Such a Professional Journalist and a person who loved working and helping his community. I will miss seeing Sam every night! Thank you SAM for being a part of our lives.
Millie Russell
March 1, 2016
The news won't be the same anymore without Sam. We enjoyed watching the camaraderie of the crew while working together. Sam will be missed very much. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.
Lucille Snow
March 1, 2016
Though I do not know him personally & just by watching him on TV everyday I could tell that he's a good person. I felt very sad when I heard the news of his passing & I will really miss him. How I wish I could be at his funeral but I could not because of my work but he and his family will be in my prayers.
Gloria Eiland
February 29, 2016
My prayers and thoughts are with your family
Miroslav & Beth Skripnik
February 29, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mary Roth
February 29, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. He was one of journalism's finest, and the 5 o'clock news won't be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at WNEM.
Wayne and Diana Simons
February 29, 2016
my husband and i enjoyed watching Sam Merrill on WNEM5 every night.He was so compassionate,kind,and understanding the viewers needs.He really showed how much he cared for people. We were deeply sadden over the loss of Sam.Mrs Merrill and James always remember the loving times you all had together.i am so very sorry for your deep loss.Romans 8:38&39 is a wonderful verse to remember Sam Love Always
Lynnette Keinath
February 29, 2016
God Bless you Sam-we never understand why...But one day we will see you again. You've done So much in your Life-it's time to RIHeaven by Gods Hands.Theres No other reason than in this explanation-God must have needed a Special Man up there @ his side..Prayers&Blessing To Katy & Your Son James-Along w all your Family&Friends.know that the Entire Tri-cities-including Flint are grieving&rembering your loving Soul as well.Your Deeply Loved My Friend..God Bless Your Soul&bring Comfort to All that are& or are not. Family members...You are Truly Loved&Missed deeply
February 29, 2016
Dear Merrill Family,
May the unending support, love, and peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be yours at this time.
"He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart."
Psalm 40:11
Rest in Jesus,
Judy--TV 5 Viewer
Vera
February 29, 2016
Such sadness for his family and the entire community. We pray that his family finds strength.
Gerald Redburn
February 29, 2016
To the family of Sam sorry to hear of your loss ! I met him through John haupright he was a neighbor of mine when we lived on King road I took John deer hunting & he got his first buck on my farm ! His wife told me he was so happy he kissed me ! & when was I going to take him again ? Look at it this way he is in a better place (GOD BLESS) Gerald&Yvonne Redburn Marion springs Michigan call me at 643-7146 or cell 598-8002 or fax 1-989-643-7146
Laurie Rinas
February 28, 2016
His warm smile and great personality will be missed...Prayers for strength to his family.
Shelley smith
February 28, 2016
May God bring you peace and comfort,,,,what a great loss,, God Bless
elenore pisarski
February 28, 2016
Dear family of Sam Merrill;
We send our condolences to Katy, son James and all his family and friends.. May the memories you shared together bring smiles to your faces in future years.. May the good Lord grant you solace to go on with your lives.. Sam you were a great anchor man, may you rest in peace.. We shall keep you in our prayers and thoughts.. Blessing and hugs.. the Pisarski family
Wm./Anna Skentzos
February 28, 2016
We are sorry for your loss..we lived in Saginaw, Mi for 30 years before moving to Arizona.. we always watched Sam Merrill on the news every night.
Karen Ehrhardt
February 28, 2016
I am shocked and saddened about the passing of such a great guy! I met him years ago during the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. I went to his Facebook page and wished him a Happy Birthday earlier this month and he thanked me for the good wishes! What a stand up guy to take the time to answer! My heart goes out to his wife and son who meant the world to him! R.I. P. Sam gone but never forgotten.
Paulette Wurdock
February 28, 2016
God be with all of you
Cathy Isaac
February 28, 2016
Our entire family is praying for you in this time of great loss. The world has become a little dimmer and lackluster by Sams passing. He was a very special person who made it seem as he was talking just to you. We all have lost a special person who's like is rare and far between. God bless and keep you.
Kim Gardyszewski
February 28, 2016
News 5 will not be the same with out you Sam my heart breaks with you not being there RIP Sam
Kathleen Schempp
February 28, 2016
Sam, You were part of my life, as I watched TV 5 daily! You will be so missed. Prayers for your wife and young son. May their faith, family, and friends bring them comfort.
Cheryl Bantle
February 28, 2016
Moved to midland in 1999, Sam Merrill has been a part of my journey every since. Heart broken, for the family and for the community.
Barbara Payton
February 28, 2016
God Bless the family of Sam Merrill. Please Lord put the loving arms around the Merrill family during this time. Rest In Peace.
Gerald Redburn
February 28, 2016
To the family of Sam sorry to hear of your loss ! I met him through John haupright he was a neighbor of mine when we lived on King road I took John deer hunting & he got his first buck on my farm ! His wife told me he was so happy he kissed me ! & when was I going to take him again ? Look at it this way he is in a better place (GOD BLESS) Gerald&Yvonne Redburn Marion springs Michigan call me at 643-7146 or cell 598-8002 or fax 1-989-643-7146
Randall Lewis
February 28, 2016
When it came to news in the mid Michigan area, Sam Merrill, was the one who knew how to deliver. His passing will leave a void not only on our televisions, but also in our hearts. He became a friend to all who watched him, and invited him into their homes every night. Rest well Sam. To your wife Katy, know that there are many, many folks who will be thinking, and praying for you, and your son!!
Karen Ehrhardt
February 28, 2016
Gone too soon!
bonnie and al metras
February 27, 2016
we have watched sam for 25 years. we feel we have lost a great friend. our prayers and thoughts are with his family
February 27, 2016
My Condolences To The Merrill Family.
Laurie Comtois
February 27, 2016
You will be missed by your TV5 viewers Sam! Gods Blessings to your family!
Barbara Clark
February 27, 2016
WNEM You have lost the best news reporter any news channel could ever have.We have all been so blessed to have had him.
Jolene Balars
February 27, 2016
So sorry for your loss. We'll miss him
Reba Darden
February 27, 2016
Rest in Peace we will all miss your smiling face and your informative knowledge on our local news. Prayers for your family.
Karen and Dorthy (Branch) Patterson
February 27, 2016
My mother and I would like to offer our condolences to your family. May God comfort you and all your family during this sad time and may you know that Sam is in the Arms of Jesus and you will see him again one day.
Taryn Hill
February 27, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Richard & Deborah Kingsbury
February 27, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers for Katy, James and Sam's family and friends. The world lost a true example of a wonderful man. Rest in peace Sam.
February 27, 2016
We were so deeply sorry to hear of Sam's passing.
He and our late son, Jeff Conrad, shared an apartment
with 2 friends at CMU. They also played baseball
together for several years. Maybe they are playing
again today.
Barb & Tom Conrad
Hale, Mi
Bradenton, Fl.
Sharon Blaine
February 27, 2016
Mat the Angels welcome you to Pardise. May yhe Martrys greet you on your way. May you see the Holy face of Almighty God. As you try on your new Angel wings today. May you RIP Amen.
Susan Smith
February 27, 2016
My heart is totally broken. Prayers for your wife Katy son James and your family.. You will always be remembered as one of our favorite newscast guys.. We send prayers for the angels of heaven to remain at your side, and guide your family with feeling of comfort.. RIP Sam you will be truly missed .
Ms. Brenda Bryant-Reynolds & Family
February 27, 2016
Sincerest Condolences to Mr. Sam Merrill's Wife, Son, Family, TV-5 Family, Friends & Our Community as we have loss a 'Great Man!' 'Mr. TV-5!' God Bless You and Thank You for Sharing A Wonderful Human Being with Us! Love & Prayers, Ms. Brenda Bryant-Reynolds & Family (Bryant, Reynolds and Little Families)
Donna Porterfield
February 27, 2016
My condolences to the family of Sam. Loved watching him on wnem.
Bonnie Schicker
February 27, 2016
So shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Sam's passing. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Frank and Barbara Bila
February 27, 2016
My husband and I feel like we lost a member of our family. When Sam left WNEM for a few years we wished he would return, when he did, we felt everything was right with the world again. Will always remember and miss him. Our love and prayers to Sam's wife, son and the rest of his family.
February 27, 2016
Sam was a great man in all he did. I was a teacher at Heritage High School in Saginaw Township. He called one day to see if I would mind him and other staff members to come over and see about the Program I had put together for Peer Counseling (A Program to help Teenagers and others). He did several interviews into the cameraand really focused on the program. I'd seen him on TV many times before, but what a "Super Man" to meet in person. Sam you were and still are loved by many and I'm sure you still are. A Super Great Man. Rest in Peace and condolences to all your family and friends. Jerry Berg. Now in Venice, Fl
Frank & Mariane Briesmeister
February 27, 2016
I have watched Sam on Channel 5 since he started. He was a great man and you could see in his eyes he was very caring to all. My prayers are to Katy, James and family. Remember "We shall all meet again" and what a glorious day that will be.
Scott &Sandy Barner
February 27, 2016
Katy and James,
When I was a college grad from MSU years ago, Sam was working for Mayor Collier as I took my first job at WTRX. As with most, we became fast friends and have many great memories together. Sam was in our wedding and we see his picture almost every day on the wall in our home. Over the years we've looked in on each other and shared a smile. It was sure that Sam loved his wife and was smitten with his ninja. Our prayers are with you and although we are sad, His love will see us through, and Sam's smile will warm our hearts forever. God bless, Scott and Sandy Barner
February 27, 2016
My prayers are with the Merrill family at this very difficulty time.
Cathy Bushre
February 27, 2016
You will be missed on TV 5. Praying for the family. God Bless your family.
Cathy Bushre
February 27, 2016
Praying for the family. May God bless this family. Will miss seeing you on TV 5.
Joan MacFarlane
February 27, 2016
My heart goes out to the Merrill family. I was so heartbroken to hear of his passing. I worked with Sam at Channel 12 in Flint int he 80's. He was a dedicated journalist and a gifted storyteller. Integrity was always a part of everything he did. He will be missed. Peace to all who loved him.
Tonya Lawhorn
February 27, 2016
You will sadley be missed i loved watching the TV-5 news you were in my home daily we will miis you God Bless R.I.P.
Alicia Drake
February 27, 2016
My prayers got out too your Family and all those who knew Sam. He will be missed by so many of us here in Michigan even though we only spent time with him during the time we watched the News. Many Prayer here in Midland.
Gail Parker
February 27, 2016
Sam could relate the news in a calm manner. You could tell he enjoyed his work. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Gail Parker
Jan Wilson
February 27, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Merrill family; his wife and son and his TV5 family; He was my favorite newscaster and always will be RIP Sam and may God be with you and your family at this time of need
Donna Arn
February 27, 2016
Sending Lots of prayers and hugs to the family and friends Also everyone that knew him on the News.. I loved watching him and Katie.. I know he will truly be missed by everyone. Again sorry for your loss.. Sending Lots of love n strength your way.
Mikolajczak Family
February 27, 2016
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family of Sam Merrill, his wife Katy, son James and the TV 5 family for the loss of such a great man. May GOD BLESS YOU today, tomorrow and forever.
Louis Cassell Mitchell Jr
February 26, 2016
Not, how did he die,but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man, Mr Merrill was that man.
He befriended those in need.with words of good cheer.
He was always there to bring back a smile.
That is why there are many who are sorry, that he has passed.
Marikyn Ciaramitaro
February 26, 2016
DearKaty and Family,May God give you the strength to get through this great loss of such an amazing good man.Iam the mother if Amy,Jennifer,and Angela Crall we all send our love and prayers.
Angela Cichowski
February 26, 2016
Dear Katy,Sorry about your great loss.Prayers and Thoughts your .From the Crall Family
avelina garcia
February 26, 2016
Our sincere condolences to Sam's wife, son & family. We are going to miss his smile and seeing him everynight on TV. Its just not going to be the same.
February 26, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. There are no words that can erase the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory, because those who pass are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15)
Karen Gross
February 26, 2016
Prayers to the Family Sam was a wonderful News broadcaster and he was a very good friend to all that knew him He will dearly be missed by all of us
Frank Mesh
February 26, 2016
Loss of a good man.prayers to wife and son God bless you and your family.
Bob and Tammy Daig
February 26, 2016
There are simply no words to express our sorrow on Sam's passing. God be with you all.
lori andrews
February 26, 2016
Sam u will be missed by everyone.the news won't be the same without u there. R.I.p. Sam.
Janice Burrows
February 26, 2016
My heart goes out to his family and co-workers at tv5 sam will be sadly missed by my husband and me watched him all the time. Prayers for everyone jan and ken burrows
February 26, 2016
Condolences to Sam's family. He will be so missed. I watched him from his first days on the news and found his smile contagious and loved his sense of humor especially when he was telling a story that he was finding silly. RIP Sam Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Lee Ann and Tony
February 26, 2016
We extend our sympathy to Sam's family, his co-workers, and to his vast audiences in media. His charismatic nature endeared him to everyone who knew him and those of us who knew him as an anchorman whose wit, humor and empathy brought his viewing audiences through the most difficult of times. He was a humanitarian to many who experienced his caring guidance in several civic endeavors. We will miss you, Sam. Rest in peace in your eternal home.
laureen koyne
February 26, 2016
I always thought Sam was a great news anchor. He was like a family member. He will be missed by all
Barb Shaver
February 26, 2016
Since all of us who watched Sam every day are in shock, I am sure this is a very difficult time for you, his family. For some reason, he was called to Heaven way too early. But, as he did while here on Earth, he will continue to watch over you in Heaven. I hope you feel all the prayers being sent your way. I am so so sorry.
Janet
February 26, 2016
My thoughts prayers and deepest sympathy to Sam's family, friends and colleagues. Nobody did news as well as he did. He will truly be missed.
Sarah Fortin
February 26, 2016
In the entire 25 years Sam was working for TV5 I grew up watching and enjoying him. He gave the news something that no one else could. Now that he has passed it's almost impossible for me to watch TV5 without going into tears. I mean I didn't know him personally but when someone is in your life for that long it's almost like you are their family. I am so sorry and I am praying for his son, wife and the rest of his family/friends. You never know when your last conversation with someone is going to be your last conversation with someone. Important lesson that I won't take for granted again. Because when someone is in your life forever, dead or alive, they are in your life forever.
Jim & Betty Jo Cloud
February 26, 2016
You were one of a kind and you will be missed by your family, your news family and your entire family of friends. We always enjoyed your outstanding knowledge of news, sports and your genuine passion of a true friend that came across on our tv screen. Bless you Sam.
Theresa Fowler
February 26, 2016
Sam,
I will miss you on the 5:00pm news. My prayers go out to you and your family.
shellie wenzel
February 26, 2016
Sorry for loss katy and james,are prayers are with you
Judy Blohm
February 26, 2016
I loved watching Sam on TV5. He was such a class act gentleman. My thoughts to you Katy, your son James and Sam's family. He truly will be missed by many.
Don and Katy Rouech
February 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Merrill Family and friends. Sam came to our house every night at 6 o:clock. He was our favorite News Caster. Your loss is our loss as well. Not only Saginaw but Michigan and nation wide. Rest in Heaven Sam.
Michelle Ferguson
February 26, 2016
The Merrill family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!
Showing 1 - 88 of 88 results
3775 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603
Make a Donation
in Samuel Merrill's name
How to support Samuel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Samuel Merrill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
