Michael Bruce Merrett, of Carbondale, passed from this world into eternal life on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Helia Healthcare in Energy, with his wife, Claudia and his daughter, Tobey, by his side.
Michael was born December 22, 1953, to Len and Norma (Tiernan) Merrett at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois. He was born-again in the waters of baptism on May 2, 1954, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church and reaffirmed his baptismal covenant on May 25, 1969. He married Claudia Howerton on March 18, 1973, in Christ Lutheran Church, Decatur, Illinois. They have celebrated 47 years of love and companionship. During those years, a son, Seth Andrew and a daughter, Tobey Lynn made life exciting and full! How he adored them both. If being a parent wasn’t a joy in itself, nothing later would compare with the blessings of grandchildren!
Mike graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1974 with an Automotive Technology Degree. He worked several years as a mechanic with Wallace Chrysler/Plymouth in Carbondale. He also worked as a boat mechanic at Gateway Marina on Crab Orchard Lake. Long time friendships were formed there. As the coal mining industry flourished, he worked for Old Ben Coal in West Frankfort as an underground miner and union mine examiner. The mine closed in 1991 and Mike followed God’s lead into the health field. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing from John A. Logan College and worked at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale as a RN; float nurse, ER, telemetry, home health nurse & helicopter transport nurse. He was accepted into the Physician Assistant Program at University of North Dakota and graduated January 2002. He worked with Dr. Anad Salem as his PA until April 2012. Mike loved his career in healthcare and all his patients! Mike excelled in whatever he put his mind to and his compassion and tender heart was felt by all.
His family members left to cherish his life and memory are his wife, Claudia of Carterville; daughter, Tobey Sisk (Warren) of Herrin; grandchildren, Merrett, Sophia and James Simpkins and baby Nora Sisk (coming in November); mother and step father, Norma (Clifford) Lingenfelter of Decatur, Illinois; mother-in-law, Virginia Howerton of Carterville; brother, Mark (Sharon) of Spring, Texas; nephews, Andy (Mollie) Merrett of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Scott (Cheryl) Howerton of Decatur, Illinois; and niece, Michelle (Gottman) of Jasper, Alabama; step brothers, Mike (Sheri) Lingenfelter, Decatur, Illinois, Rusty (Diane) Lingenfelter Alexandria, Virginia; and step-sister, Vickie (Chuck) Wakefield, Decatur, Illinois; and many great nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and countless friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Len Merrett and his son, Seth Merrett, as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Memorials can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1501 Broeking Road, Marion, IL 62959 or St. Francis Animal Rescue, 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Lincolnshire Memory Care (Decatur, IL), Reflections Memory Care (Harrisburg, IL) and Helia Healthcare (Energy, IL) for providing love and care to Mike.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2020, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2020, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Marion, with Pastor Kim Lee-Brown officiating. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO COVID-19: visitation limit of 50% capacity at one time; service limit of 50 persons total; facial coverings are required; social distancing yourself from others; and refrain from hugging.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
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