Christopher J. Merrill
Christopher J. Merrill
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Chris was born on December 8, 1955 in Columbus, OH. He was son of Robert and Margaret Merrill and brother to Jack, Steve, Tim and Ellen. His warmth and sense of humor were a source of joy for family, friends and colleagues across the country.
Chris pursued a lifelong love of music, acting and performing on and off the stage. He received a Master of Fine Arts in acting from The Ohio State University and was a member of Actor's Equity.
He is survived by brother and sister-in-law Tim and Lois Merrill and sister Ellen Merrill Sullivan as well as many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Jack and Steve, and his first and second husbands, Stephen Batchelor and Richard Burke.
Small memorial gatherings are being planned for friends and family in Chicago and Columbus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbus Children's Theatre (www.columbuschildrenstheatre.org/).
Chris's warm energy, deep creativity and joyous laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Evy Pine
September 17, 2025
I couldn't have made it through my youth without Chris. What a great, generous, sweet guy.
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Bill Goldsmith
September 7, 2025
A good friend and a good actor. Spent.the summer with him I'm touring company. RIP Chris
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1458 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
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