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Edward E. Merritt

1940 - 2024

Edward E. Merritt obituary, 1940-2024, Davenport, IA

BORN

1940

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home

614 Main Street

Davenport, Iowa

Edward Merritt Obituary

Edward E. Merritt

January 7, 1940 - December 6, 2024

Edward Merritt, 84, of Bettendorf Iowa joined our Lord and Savior on December 6, 2024.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m. with a prayer service and time of sharing offered at 3:30 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Additional visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday in the gathering space at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Ed was born in Denver Colorado on January 7, 1940 to Earl and Katherine Merritt. Katherine's guidance and support throughout Ed's life planted a fruitful seed that was rooted in faith. He began his lifelong career in education in a one room schoolhouse in Missouri. He attended Saint Mary's Catholic School in Pierce City, Missouri where he served mass every day. The childhood memories from Pierce City with his five loving siblings are many and treasured. His senior year of high school he attended school in Joplin, Missouri, which was a 40 mile round-trip. There Ed excelled in all sports, especially basketball and baseball. This opportunity led to Ed being chosen for a scholarship to play at Benedictine Heights College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Charlene . They were married on January 6, 1964 and just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. During college, he excelled at baseball and was recognized as a top prospect in the New York Yankee organization. He played eight years in the minor leagues for the Yankees and two for the Angels. Ed loved to share about his spring training experiences; playing with Mickey Mantle, Roger Morris, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, etc. With a growing family of three and a masters of education (+30) the decision was made to begin teaching at Pleasant Valley High School in 1970. For the next 30 years, Coach Merritt taught social studies and physical education. Ed coached track, football and most notably served as head varsity baseball and head basketball coach. He had several state baseball appearances and was very proud when his basketball team went to state in the final four for the first time in PV history. Ed was decorated with many honors, including several district Coach of the Year awards and was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Ed/Mr. Merritt was not only a coach, he was also a mentor and teacher who influenced many students over the years and inspired their faith. Mr. Merritt was intricately involved with supporting and growing the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) program at PV and received the Hall of Faith award. He impacted many lives and helped them grow closer to God. He also sponsored many trips to Washington, D.C. with students with Project Close Up.

Ed was involved in his church community serving on the Our Lady of Lourdes Board of Education for many years and was involved with church choir, the Knights of Columbus and many outreach programs, including Big Brothers as a mentor. He served his country in his earlier years by being in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. He was a gentleman farmer, a real estate contractor and investor in his (very little) free time.

Dad /Papa was beloved by his three children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, giving us a lifetime of memories. He always shared a greeting with a big smile and hug and a genuine love for all of us. In retirement, Ed enjoyed travel, gaming, time with family, and a good discussion. We are forever grateful for the influence he had on so many, his family especially. As he often said. "I'm a millionaire." Not because of the money he had in life, but because of the relationships he's made, the people he met in life, and successes God helped him achieve.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; children: Ed Junior, Brad (Cheryl), Montse (Rick) Madden; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Ryan (Caitlin) Merritt (Remy and Mavie), Katie (Joe) Kern, Amanda (Logan) Ahnquist (Lily, Brady, and Ava), Drew, Paige, and Emma Madden.

He is preceded in death by Katherine Merritt (mother) and Tyler Madden (birthday buddy and grandson).

Memorial donations can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Women's Choice Center, or St. John of Arc Foundation (new Bettendorf Catholic School).

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Coach Merritt's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Quad-City Times on Dec. 8, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Merritt

Sponsored by Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home.

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4 Entries

Kathy Merritt

December 22, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Single Memorial Tree

John & Kim Chant

Planted Trees

Brian Boeh

December 10, 2024

I knew Ed as a teacher. I went to Pleasant Valley High in the mid 70s. I always admired him. He was a well-dressed well-spoken man. I truly enjoy his class. I haven't seen him for 47 years, but I will always remember him. Heaven's gain is our loss.
Rest in peace Ed.

Dolores Stack

December 9, 2024

Charlene and family, so sorry for your loss. Ed lived life to the fullness. Blessings - Dolores Stack

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Memorial Events
for Edward Merritt

Dec

15

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home

614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Dec

15

Service

3:30 p.m.

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home

614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Dec

16

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Bettendorf, IA

Dec

16

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church,

Bettendorf. , IA

Funeral services provided by:

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home

614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803

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