Francis C. Merrick, 93, long-time La Junta, Colorado resident and Elkhart, Indiana native passed on 10/9/2023 in Parker, Colorado.

Proceeded in death by wife, Velma J. Merrick, 2009, and son, James W. Merrick, 2014.

Survived by wife Beverly Merrick, sons Robert (Bob) A. Merrick and Donald (Don) F. Merrick and their families, and stepdaughter Stacy Padgett and stepson Mark Chenault and their families. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Francis was a Sargent in the US Army serving in Japan and Korea in the Korean War (1951-1953). Francis was employed by NIBCO, Inc. for more than 60 years. He served in the Babe Ruth Baseball Organization at the local, state, regional, and national level and was inducted in the Babe Ruth Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. He also was instrumental in the creation of and served many years on the La Junta Tree Board. He taught classes at Otero Junior College. He loved working in his woodshop making toys and furniture for his grandkids, gardening and even farmed and ran a greenhouse/nursery business for a time. His residential yard was known for its manicured grass and roses.

A Memorial Service will be held at Cheraw Community Church, 204 S. 4th Street, Cheraw, Colorado 81030, October 20th at 1:30 pm with reception to follow. Interment will be at Fort Lyon National Cemetery, Las Animas, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to plant a tree or bush in your own yard in memory of Francis, or make a donation to your local farmer or rancher.

Condolences to the family can be sent to the Cheraw Community Church or to Robert Merrick and Family, 23819 E. Caleb Place, Aurora, Co 80016.

Peacock Larsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.