Firmer H. Merrick, 98, of Goshen, passed away at home on Monday, June 29, 2026.

He was born November 22, 1927, in Elkhart to the late Forrest and Caroline (Sensenbaugh) Merrick. Also preceding him in death are one sister, Iona Wesley and four brothers; Forrest, Welmer, Eldon and Francis Merrick and a son in law, Thomas Hellinga.

On May 6, 1950, Firmer married Dolores J. Russo in Elkhart. She died August 24, 2021, after 71 years of marriage. He is survived by four daughters; Catherine (William) Oxidine of OK, Marti Merrick of Goshen, Kristin (Richard) Kessler of OH and Julie Hellinga of Plymouth, IN: five sons; Michael (Patti) Merrick of GA, Mark (Eva) Merrick of MI, Matthew (Delores) Merrick of WI, William Shannon (Lynne) Merrick of FL and John Merrick of Goshen. Also surviving are nineteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and three sisters: Doris Maddux of Elkhart, Dorothy Doust of TX and Thelma Bohli of NY.

Firmer was a mechanical engineer for CTS before his retirement. Upon retirement, he owned and operated the Bower Street Liquor Store. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church where he was a member and past president of the Holy Name Society as well as the Building Committee. An expert woodworker, he built many fine pieces of furniture that his family will treasure for many years to come. He also built his family home from the ground up, with some assistance from his children. He will be remembered as a wonderful father who enjoyed being with his family, especially his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Merrick will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home where the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 6 pm. Visitation will also be held Thursday from 10 am until the hour of the Mass of Christian Burial at The Rev. Craig Borchard will officiate and Firmer will be laid to rest next to his beloved Dolores in St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Firmer may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516.