Attica - Jonathan "John" Wayne Merrill, 71, formerly of Attica and had been residing in Hoopeston, IL, passed away in the Accolade Healthcare of Danville, on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:04 p.m.
John was born in Williamsport, Indiana on October 6, 1951. He was the son of the late Raymond Leon and Delores Maybelle (Casey) Merrill. He was raised in Attica, attending Attica High School until his senior year, and graduating from Fountain Central High School in 1970. Following graduation he began working at Harrison Steel for a short time until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force he moved to Chicago and studied at ITT. He later entered the Indiana National Guard. Following his time in the National Guard he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two terms with the Navy and had served on the USS America Air Craft Carrier. He was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he moved back to the Lafayette area and worked at different jobs in the area.
John leaves behind a daughter, Natasha Geller of West Lafayette and a son, Joshua Merrill; four brothers, Don Merrill, Attica; Carl (Karin) Merrill, Williamsport; Ron (Debbie ) Merrill, Goldsboro, NC and Charles "Chuck" R. (Betty) Merrill, Indianapolis; two sisters, Judy Crowder, West Lebanon and Lynetta (Scott) Bales, Williamsport; his girl friend, Marilyn Lane, Hoopeston, IL.
As per John's request cremation services are accorded him and a memorial gravesite service with military rites by the U.S. Navy will be held in the VA National Cemetery, Danville, IL on Friday, March 3rd at 11:00 a.m. EST.