Frank L. Merriman

Frank Merriman, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on August 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 93. Born on September 1, 1931, in Bingham, Illinois, Frank's journey began in a small, close-knit community, being born at home on the family farm. He attended a one-room schoolhouse affectionately known as "The Burg." It was here that he shared countless memories with his cousins, laying the foundation for a life defined by love, hard work and commitment.

Frank dedicated nearly four decades of his life employed as an aircraft painter at McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) where his skilled hands contributed to the finished product of fighter jets manufactured there and included work on the Gemini spacecraft. His work exemplified his hardworking nature, and after 38 years, he retired with a sense of accomplishment and pride, treasured not just by his coworkers but by friends and family who admired his dedication.

Frank exemplified the qualities of faithfulness, love, and dedication. Frank's faith was based on his belief and trust in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a devoted family man, always prioritizing the needs of those he held dear. Alongside his beloved wife of 76 years, Rosemary, he nurtured a family that grew under his care and guidance. Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemary Mollohan Merriman, his sister, Sue Kaufman, his son, Jim (Debbie) Merriman, and his daughters Becky (Rod) Bradshaw, Linda (John) Zellmer, Lori (Mike) Hanna, Marci (Mike) Satterfield, and Julie (Paul) Wallace; along with grandchildren, Paul (Melissa) Merriman, Rachel (Matt) Schoonover, Philip (Alicon) Bradshaw, Cathy Bradshaw, Stephen (Tiffany) Bradshaw, Gregory (Alicia) Bradshaw, Christopher Bradshaw, Leslie (Coby) Boyd, Doug (Jill) Zellmer, Jason (Heather) Zellmer, Sarah Hanna, Doug Hanna, Jeremiah (Jenn) Hanna, Josh (Ellie) Hanna, Mitch (Emily) Satterfield, Molly Satterfield, Jessica (Henry) Runyon, Emily (Josh) Benoist, Nicole Wallace, and Lilli Wallace; 31 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Frank took immense pride in his family and leaves behind a legacy of faith and commitment to his Savior that will continue to influence his family through generations to come.

Frank served God through his church as deacon and teacher. He and Rosemary helped organize Senior luncheons and trips. He supported multiple mission projects and activities. He loved his church. Frank's zest for life extended into his hobbies and interests. A man of many talents, he found joy in woodworking, delighted in collecting coins and die-cast miniature cars, and possessed a green thumb that flourished through his passion for gardening and knowledge of trees. He also enjoyed the comforting melodies of country and gospel music, filling his home with the sounds that brought him peace and happiness. he was an avid Cardinals fan and loved to watch them play.

Frank's personality was akin to the very essence of rural life—a perfect embodiment of the saying, "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy." He fostered a loving environment, driven by his fascination with the world around him and rooted deeply in his Christian faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilson Carl Merriman; mother, Sadie Frances Rawlings; brother, Carl Merriman; brother, Jerry Merriman; son Mike (wife Melissa Ruediger survives) Merriman, grandchildren, Mary Ann Merriman and Brian Hanna; and great-granddaughter, Gemma Bradshaw. His legacy lives on through the bonds he forged and the lives he touched, each person a testament to the strength of his character and the love he shared so generously.

A visitation to honor Frank will take place on August 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, Missouri, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:00 PM at the same location. Friends and family are invited to come together to celebrate and honor a life well-lived, reflecting on the impact he made in their lives and the memories that will forever be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank's honor to First Baptist Church of O'Fallon or Powell Terrace Food Pantry.

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