Gary "Don" Merritt, age 74 of Warner Robins, Georgia and formerly of Elwood, died unexpectedly at his home in Warner Robins on November 3, 2012. He was born on April 6, 1938 in Elwood the son of Hubert and Eloise (Pendleton) Merritt. He retired in 2002 from Boeing Corporation in Warner Robins, and was formerly employed at Continental Can Corporation located in Elwood and Perry, Georgia. He was a 1956 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later attended Ball State University and Purdue University. He married Helen Joyce Tyner on July 18, 1970. Don enjoyed working in his yard and traveling. He was also an avid fan of Purdue University sports, the Chicago Cubs; and the Chicago Bears.

His loving family includes his wife of 42 years, Helen Merritt of Warner Robins, GA; step-son, Robert (wife Rhonda) Carpenter of Warner Robins, GA; twin-brother, Larry "Dan" (wife Martha) Merritt of Diamond Bar, CA; sister, Dorothy Allen of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Raeanna Merritt of Elwood; 2 nephews, Mark (wife Julie) Merritt of Anderson and Ed (wife Angie) Alley of Elwood; and 2 nieces, Lisa Holt of Indianapolis and Erin Merritt of Diamond Bar, Ca.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alcyone Alley; 2 brothers, Jim Merritt and Richard "Dick" Merritt; and 2 brothers-in-law, Dwight Alley and James Allen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences to the Merritt family may be made at: www.copherfeslermay.com.