“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20

Richard “Rick” Merriman entered the presence of the Lord following a brief battle with lung cancer.

Following a difficult childhood and young adulthood, Rick came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. As with many, his journey of faith included seasons of challenge and growth, yet his devotion remained steadfast. He loved the Lord, cherished his brothers and sisters in Christ, and deeply loved his family. Rick faithfully read his Bible and prayed each day. He looked forward with peace and joy to going home to be with Jesus and with those beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who had gone before him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Lori Merriman; his daughters, Ann Bennett and Tabitha Renner; eight grandchildren; and four and a half great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his surrogate parents, Walter and Jeannette Campbell, and his son, Mark Stone.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all friends and loved ones for their prayers, kindness, and support during this time.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8