Tom “Sonny” Meritt, son of the late Roy “Poss” Meritt and Pauline Barfield Meritt, was born on November 13, 1937 in Gray Ridge, Missouri, and departed this life on September 9, 2020 at his residence near Essex, Missouri, at the age of 82 years.

Mr. Meritt was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in a Field Artillery Unit.  He was a former farmer and a member of the Olive Branch General Baptist Church near Essex.

He was united in marriage to Gayle Ott on July 25, 1958 in Circle City, Missouri.  Mrs. Meritt preceded him in death on December 22, 2019.

He is survived by his son, Darin Meritt of Essex; by his sister, Joan Peters of Dexter; by his granddaughter, Victoria Meritt; and by several nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Meritt and his sister, Marjorie McGuire.

Friends may call at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Dudley Hamilton officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.