Donald Peter Merriam

Don passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, surrounded by his children. He was born on January 5, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Donald A Merriam and Florenece (Van Donnelen) Merriam. Don was later adopted by Eleanor (Beaty) Merriam – all have preceded him in death.

After graduating from Portage High School, Don served three years in the US Navy. After his service in the Navy, he returned to Kalamazoo and worked for Allied Paper Company. More recently, he served as a crossing guard until 2023 – a job he really loved. In his younger years, Don enjoyed spending time on his Harley Davidson motorcycles. He and his friends traveled to many different states on their motorcycles. Don also loved hunting and ice fishing. His greatest joy, however, was his family.

Don is survived by his children, Debbie Cherry, Shannon (Mike) Brown, Brian (Stacey) Merriam, and Mickey (Janeth) Merriam. He had seven grandchildren, Nicole (Derek) Marlowe, Michaela (Andrejs) Brown, Christian Merriam, Tyler Merriam, Amber (Peter) Martinez, Bryson Merriam, and Krysten Brown. Don also had four great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Cole, and Claire Marlow, and Peter “PJ” Martinez.