William "Bill" Steven Merritt

William S. “Bill” Merritt passed away on November 26, 2025, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita due to complications following surgery. He was 65 years old.

Bill was born in Jacksonville, Florida, the eldest son of Robert L. Merritt and Jane

Ann Wells Merritt. After grade school in Virginia and Maryland, he graduated from Chanute High School and the University of Kansas. For his performance in the NROTC at KU, he received a regular, rather than reserve, commission into the US Navy.

He completed training as a Naval Flight Officer and served in several anti-submarine patrol squadrons flying in P-3 Orion aircraft. Bill also served on the staff of the Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet and on the USS America. After 10 years of active duty, he transferred to the Naval Reserve and served for many more years. He retired as a Commander USNR. Bill loved flying and, as a private pilot, was very active in the Civil Air Patrol and held several demanding positions.

Bill had a wide range of interests, particularly anything related to nature, aquatic life, amateur radio, music, art, and aviation. It seemed he could speak well on almost any subject. The depth and breadth of his knowledge were amazing.

He was preceded in death by his mother and brother, David R. Merritt.

He is survived by his father, sister Nancy J. Ahlquist, nephew Jarrett L. Kitch, and niece Dana A. (Kitch) Sepulveda.

Family will greet friends on January 15, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 209 S. Lincoln, Chanute, Kansas 66720, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Salvation Army or Grace Episcopal Church are suggested.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, KS 66720.