John Robert Merrell, age 76, of Troy, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, at his residence. He was born on July 1, 1946 in Dayton, OH, to the late Robert Reed and Mary Lou (Woodward) Merrell.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years: Susan (Niklas) Merrell; son and daughter-in-law: Robert (Belinda) Merrell of Celina; daughter: Paula Richardson of Piqua; grandchildren: Nicholas (Jamie) Merrell, Victoria (Jessica) Rossway, Collin (Ciara) Merrell, and Branden Richardson; great grandchildren: Riley, Jackson, Jameson, Carter, and Christian; brother: Don (Andra) Merrell of Tipp City; and his fur baby: Ellie Mae. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law: Thomas Richardson; and granddaughter: Emily Faith Richardson.

John was a 1965 graduate of Vandalia-Butler High School. He served 2 tours in Vietnam with the US Marines. He retired as a brake assembly operator at B.F. Goodrich in 2008. John loved old cars and boating. Most of all, he loved watching the grandkid's sports activities and spending time with his family. John will be remembered as a gentle giant.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00PM on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy, with military honors to follow. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County: 3230 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373; or Disabled American Veterans (DAV): P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County
3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373
Web: https://hospiceofmiamicounty.org

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250