Richard Merrill
News Staff
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Body
Richard Curtis Merrill, 83, of Tarpon Springs, Florida passed away on March 27, 2024. He was born on August 12, 1940 to Norman B. Merrill and Alta Dille Merrill in Colorado Springs, Colo.. Dick, a diligent worker and loyal friend, dedicated his life to his family and to exemplifying Christ. Dick was the second born of four children. In the Spring of 1945 his family moved from California to the Sandhills of Nebraska where they raised cattle. Dick attended country schools through the 8th grade and then attended Gordon High School. After high school, he went to work full-time as a ranch hand. In 1960, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif.. It was during this time that he became pen pals with his sister’s (Sally) friend, Vici Torske. The couple inevitably fell in love and, without even meeting each other’s parents, eloped to Las Vegas. Dick married the love of his life on May 18, 1963.