Paul Curtis Merriam

1943 - 2022

Paul Curtis Merriam
September 4, 1943 - May 25, 2022
Sacramento, California -
At his Midtown Sacramento home May 25, Paul Merriam entered into eternal worship, his passion in life. A family member remarked, "Heaven will never be the same!"
Born in Sacramento, raised in Auburn, Paul expected in college to follow his father's footsteps with a business degree but recognized he didn't fit the mold. Instead he applied himself to art studies, earning his BA in Commercial Art at Sacramento State.
After college, he pursued Uncle Sam's "overseas photography" recruitment tactic but was disqualified by the physical. In the lineup, he couldn't perform the required full squat due to a bad leg break during high school that hospitalized him for months—a saving grace that spared him from the Viet Nam war. It was the era of the 60's and 70's hippiedom, a time to peace out, take a psychedelic trip, find himself, look for God..in the wrong places, but sincerely to seek with 40 days of fasting and visiting Edgar Cayce's Assoc for Research & Enlightenment, Virginia Beach.
In time, the search led him to a home Bible group where, on the Ides of March, he found his Redeemer who "assassinated his Caesar" as he would say: permitting Christ the ascendency to sovereignty over his life in place of himself. The desirable older bachelor attended a church of many singles, and his heart turned to much-younger Lou Anne Styrsky—despite his vow not to date a redhead, having suffered taunts in his youth that came with being ginger. The couple married in October, 1985, sharing multiple experiences in the Body of Christ for over 36 years together.
Paul served God steadfastly: He volunteered his rich voice for DJ work at Christian radio KYLO, Davis; weekly ministered to nursing home residents for 12 years with Bible teachings, prayer, and worship; held men's Bible studies at home for years; served 20 years alongside his worship leading brother-in-law with guitar and vocals. He was the impetus for recording and distributing the beloved New Hope Music worship songs prayed down from heaven.
Paul, truly a Renaissance man, honored God in his craftsmanship. He was a wordsmith and a calligrapher. A nephew once enthused, "Uncle Paul can do anything!" Indeed, Paul manufactured screws; made creative repairs using wood, leather, and metal; carved wood; chiseled Corian scraps; crafted custom moccasins with patience and zeal. He created large-scale signage for Meissner Sewing and Arareity Jewelers as well as the Lincoln Professional Center monument. He left his mark in the region.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife Lou Anne (née Styrsky), his brother Fred (Julie), his sister Joan, his nephew David (Erin), and the many Styrsky relatives and countless friends.
Memorial service planning is pending. Remembrance donations in Paul's name may be made to Restoration Life Church, 5801 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817, www.restlife.net or Hillsdale College, 33 E College St, Hillsdale, MI 49242, donorservices@hillsdale.edu