Doyle Merritt

Doyle Merritt, LTC (ret) US Army, died Sunday, March 10, 2013 peacefully at home surrounded by family and dear friends. He was born May 26, 1924 in Georgia to Astor Merritt and Rose Golden Merritt. He married Betty V. Dodson, RN, in November 1946 at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, daughters Ellen M. Balliet, Emily K. Merritt; sons Michael L., Daniel A., Kipjen R., and Patrick M.; sister Joan M. Tidwell and sister-in-law Mary C. Merritt, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Bruce. He attended University of Georgia, graduated USMA (West Point) Class 1946, and then took a MS in mechanical engineering at the University of Southern California. Col. Merritt served in Korea 1946-49 and 1951-53, then at Ft Bliss, TX, Office of Combat Development; Headquarters US Army Europe 1960-64; Vietnam 1967-68; White Sands Missile Range 1969-72. He was a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Military Order of the World Wars, the El Paso Solar Energy Society, the Men’s Garden Club, and was a certified farrier. Doyle survived three bouts with cancer. He was a man of great integrity and upheld Duty, Honor, Country, and was a great friend to many. There will be a visitation at Sunset Funeral Home-East on 750 North Carolina Wednesday, March 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. The family will have a private memorial service. The family has requested any memorials be flags for Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.