Obituary: Merritt, Darrel R.
He was born in Manhattan, Kansas on September 6, 1939 to Arthur Roland Merritt and Ruby F. May.
He married Sheila I. Brooks on August 3, 1974.
Their life journey eventually led to a ranch they both loved in the Red River Valley.
Darrel’s family and friends brought him great joy.
He was happiest when they were all gathered together at the ranch during holidays, and special gatherings such as the 4th of July.
He worked for Martin Iron Works-Steel Fabrication and Erectors in Reno, Nevada from 1962-1965.
After that he went to work for his three Uncles, Harold, Jim, and Duane May at Tri-M Erectors Steel Company in Kent, WA from 1965-1976.
In 1976 he and brother Gary began Re-Bar West Co., and had a successful family business together until 1994.
He expected himself as well as his hands to possess “The eye of the tiger” and was ever watchful to make sure his help “had enough bottom to them”.
He recently shared with his family that in his lifetime, that which brought the most satisfaction, was when he ran the wild horses (mustangs) from 1962-1965.
Darrel is remembered by friends and family as one who “lived on the edge”.
His friends stated that he was a loyal friend.
In his earlier years he spent time on the rodeo circuit with his Uncle Duane enjoying events such as bulldogging and steer roping.
He was a true cowboy and taught those close to him the term “cowboy up”.
He enjoyed his hound hunting days running after cougar, bear, and bobcats.
His horse ranch was where he enjoyed breaking colts and saddling up to ride out into the sunset.
He enjoyed packing into the back country of North Central Idaho.
When work was done you could find him watching his favorite sports teams play on the big screen.
He most enjoyed the gathering of family and friends for a game of Tic or High Roller, or Chicken Foot.
He found satisfaction in his retirement years making lodge pole beds out of knotted character wood he would gather up in the woods.
Last year he took a cruise to Alaska which he enjoyed very much.
Fly fishing and chain saw carving were the next things he planned to get into.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Roland Merritt and mother, Ruby F. Merritt; wife of 30 years Sheila I. Merritt and nephew Gary Merritt Jr.
He is survived by wife of five years Donna M. Merritt.
Emmanuel Baptist Church is where he and she attended church in the Lewiston area.
Also, brother, Gary Merritt and Margaret Jean (spouse) and their son, Grant Merritt, and Grant’s daughter Brooke loved Darrel dearly and will miss him very much.
Darrel and Sheila’s blended family are Douglas R. Merritt; Traci Black and her spouse, Ted Black; James Joe and Lex Merritt, Stephanie Brooks, Craig Brooks and his spouse Kim Brooks, and Tina Hoover.
He had numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
A memorial will be held Memorial Day of this coming year.
Date subject to change but attentively.
Details to follow later.
Thank you for the wonderful days we all shared together.
Our prayers will be with you until we meet again.