Michael R. 'Mike' Meritt age 71, of the Wingate/New Richmond communities, passed away unexpectedly in the ER of IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, 7:53 AM Tuesday, May 25, 2021.  Mike was born in Crawfordsville, May 30, 1949 son of the late Eugene and Eileen Rosen Meritt .  He married Kathie Shultz March 27, 2016 and she survives. He was formerly married to Jeannie Lamb with who he had children.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Coal Creek Central High School, and had attended Purdue University Ag School.  Mike was a well known business man…he had a successful 30 year career as an auctioneer, farmer, he owned and operated Meritt Excavating Service until he retired.  Following his retirement he began a small trucking company, hauling grain.

Mike lost his idol, his father, at age 14 and had to grow up fast as he took on task of operating the family farm. Mike and Sam Buckles were the first two male cheerleaders at CCCHS.   While in school he was active in FFA, where he earned the Star Farmer Award and advanced to Kansas City participating with the 'debate contest'.  He loved fishing and he enjoyed making fishing lures with his late son Mark.   Mike worked hard to hone his 'auction chant' and credited Darrell Allen, for who he worked and loved, for helping him to become a great bid caller.

Surviving along with his wife Kathie, are: son; Chris (Laura) Meritt of rural New Richmond, daughter-in-law Lisa  Meritt of Minnesota.  His sister; Sandra Haymaker of Crawfordsville. Step-daughters; Kristie (Kent) Richmond) of Crawfordsville, Stacey  (Tom) Hansell of North Carolina,  Step-son, Scott (Jodi Simpson) Wethington of Crawfordsville.  Grandchildren; Katie, Jacob and Carson Meritt.  Step-grandchildren; Hannah (Logan) Olin, Zachary, Annelie, Ellie Kate, Sarah Hansell, step great-great grandsons, Nash and Holden Olin.  Nieces: Sheryl (Steve Young) Koons and her children; Ashlyn & Brandon, Diana Rahm and her children; Sky & Kendal.  Cousins who were like sisters; Maureen (Jeff Taylor) Thomas, Elaine (Dave) Needham, and Pamela Burt.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mark.

Visitation hours are 3:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 2, 2021, with funeral services following,  at 7:00 PM with Larry Kelsey (a classmate) officiating at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate.  Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com