LaVell Merritt

Funeral services for LaVell Merritt, 85, of Many, were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at the Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel in Many with the Rev. Daniel Davis officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Belmont. Visitation began at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at the Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel in Many. LaVell Merritt was born on Wednesday, June 20, 1928, in Many. He passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at his residence in Many. Mr. Merritt served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He currently served as an Ambassdor for the EL Karuban  Temple in Shreveport and belonged to the Leesville Shriner’s Club. He was also a Mason serving in the Masonic Lodges Little Flock Chapter. Mr. Merritt also belonged to the Many Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the order of the Eastern Star in Many, Anacoco, Florien and Converse chapters. He was also an Amateur Ham Operator, his call sign was WB5-ILX. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hall Merritt; parents, Anna Bell Merritt and Willie C. Merritt; brothers, Melvin Merritt, Holman Merritt, Hobert Merritt and James “Bill” Merritt and sister, Olive Merritt Peterson. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Merritt Santin and husband, Jose, of Cypress, Texas; special nephew and niece, Lavan and Debbie Merritt of Many; along with a host of family and friends. Pallbearers were Marion Monroe Hall, III, Justin Merritt, Lane Merritt, Telvin Merritt, Bill Hayes, Rodney Randolph and Dustin Merritt. The family would like to give special thanks to Thompson Home Health. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows. com