This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Merritt, Ormand Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5331/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Earl Andrew Merritt, 76, a resident of Silver City for 72 years, passed away on April 4, 2011. He was a very loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, who will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Mabel, daughter, Julie Ormand and husband Brian of Las Cruces, grandchildren; Hannah, Bethany, and Zachary, and one great- grandson, Jacob, his brother, Paul Merritt of Albuquerque, his wife Laura, and daughters Rhonda and Renee, and many nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Byron, and his parents Russell and Irma Merritt. Earl and family moved to Silver City from Rochester, NY in 1939. He attended Western High School and took classes at NM Western College. Earl and Mabel were married on Dec 23, 1955 and had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Earl worked for Kennecott Copper Corp in Hurley. He was a chief surveyor with Kennecott and retired in 1989. He was an avid motorcycle rider. He was also a racing fan, attending the Indy 500 four times, and he enjoyed following NASCAR racing. There will be a viewing and family visitation on Friday, April 8, come anytime between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Baca's Funeral Chapel. The funeral service is Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church, 300 W. College Avenue. Pallbearers are Albert Smith, Tilmond Smith, Kenny Smith, Matthew Ormand, Sean Ormand, and Russell Upton. Honorary Pallbearers are Leon Pearce and Bill Massengill. To send condolences, please login to: www.bacasfuneralchapels.com Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Silver City, Baca's Silver City Crematory, 3805 Delk Drive. Phone 388-2334. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care" Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on April 7, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.