Walter Leroy Merritt

Walter Leroy Merritt, 76 of Spring Valley, formerly of Fayetteville, NC, passed away September 18, 2020 at Aperion Care in Spring Valley.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday in Faith Church in Peru with Rev. Oscar Shepherd and Rev. Brenden McDonald officiating.  Burial will be Thursday in Sandhills  State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC with his son-in-law Rev. Steve Adamson, pastor of Faith Church in Peru officiating.  Military honors will follow services.

The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting his services.

In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.

Mr. Merritt was born in Berlin, NY on November 12, 1943 to Edgar A. and Mary B. (Amidon) Merritt.  He was married to Lois Merritt for 46 years before her death.  He then married Joy Jones on November 26, 2010.  He served with the United States Air Force for 20 years and was a mechanic.  He attended Troy High School in New York and received his GED in the Air Force.  Walter attended automotive school in Rantoul, IL, NCO Academy in Okinawan and NCO Leadership School.

Mr. Merritt was a member of Faith Church in Peru.  He loved the Lord and his church family.  He also enjoyed his cars.

Walter is survived by his wife Joy of Spring Valley; two children, Walter (Becky) Merritt of Fayetteville, NC and Stephanie (Lisa) Merritt of Hammond, IN; four step-children, Rhonda (Rev. Steve) Adamson of Dalzell, Angela (Tom) Mellott of Springdale, AR, Donna (Terry) Sanders of Arlington, TN and Deborah (Matt) Swaar of Florida; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one brother Edgar (Rachel) Merritt of Zephyhills, FL.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Lois and two brothers.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.

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