Richard C. Merriman, Jr.

Some people spend their lives asking, "What is it?" Rick Merriman spent his life asking, "How does it work?" That simple question shaped nearly everything he did. Whether he was taking apart a childhood radio, rebuilding a vintage bicycle, tracing his family's history, collecting coins, or restoring the radar systems aboard the USS Midway, Rick's remarkable curiosity never rested. His brilliant mind, independent spirit, and enthusiasm for learning were impossible to miss. Yet for all of his intelligence, what those who loved him will remember most is not simply what he knew, but the joy and wonder in how he shared it.

While serving in the Air Force in Grand Forks, ND, Richard and Joan Merriman were happy to announce the arrival of their third child, Richard Jr., born on October 28 of 1963. As the middle of five children growing up in Kalamazoo, Rick filled his childhood with adventure. Along with his siblings, he rode his beloved Schwinn Stingray bicycle everywhere, discovering new places and creating lasting memories. Even as a young boy, Rick's curiosity set him apart. He enjoyed tinkering, building, and learning. When his parents bought him a new radio, he didn't rush to hear it play. Instead, before it was ever plugged in, he carefully took the entire thing apart, figured out how every piece worked, and then put it back together again. Rick wanted to understand the world from the inside out.

As a young man, Rick was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 205 in Kalamazoo. During this time, he was able to travel and explore many places with the Boy Scouts. His favorite adventure being the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. A memory so strong that the belt he wore everyday bore the Philmont brand.

Books quickly became another source of discovery. An avid reader, Rick would devour endless amounts of information. At Hackett Catholic High School, the classroom itself didn’t always capture his interest, simply because he found the classwork unchallenging. Intelligence was never the issue. Rick’s mind was just always racing ahead to whatever captured his curiosity next.

While in high school, Rick worked at Campus Tuxedo and Godfather's Pizza. He kept some of the signature red cups from Godfather’s, smiling each time they resurfaced in his kitchen. Even ordinary objects had a way of carrying stories for Rick.

After two years at the University of Michigan, Rick chose a different path and enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served four years while stationed in Coronado, California. Following an honorable discharge, San Diego had become home and he remained there to complete his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering at San Diego State University. He continued working for the Department of Navy building a career for himself in a high-security position as an Electrical Engineer.

During his time with the Dept. of the Navy, Rick was invited to participate in post graduate work with the US Military War College. He was one of 2 civilians that are invited annually to participate. He graduated with his class after 2 years of intense studies; an honor that he was very proud to be a part of such a select cast of talented people.

While living in San Diego, Rick fell in love with the USS Midway Museum. The historic aircraft carrier became far more than a volunteer project. It became one of the great passions of his life. He poured his time and energy into restoration projects, particularly the TFCC (Tactical Flag Command Center) “radar room.” Rick used his government connections to acquire four of the rotating radars and the large radar antenna that stands proudly on the top mast of the Midway. Under Rick's careful hands, portions of the radar system once again became functional, allowing visitors to experience the ship much as sailors once had. Quietly preserving history in a way that would educate and inspire others was exactly the kind of accomplishment that brought him the greatest satisfaction.

Over the years, Rick’s family grew to include his precious nieces and nephews. His presence made their lives much more entertaining. His annual trips home became treasured traditions as he would take handfuls of silver dollars and toss them off the dock so the kids could dive and search for them. He took them fishing in his rowboat, though family members joked that he often spent more time tinkering with the motor than he did fishing. More than anything, he was proud to watch them grow into adults and begin careers of their own.

Throughout his life, Rick was a voracious coin collector and treasure hunter, a love that was first sparked by his grandmother when he was just a boy. He enjoyed visiting estate and yard sales, and the search was always worth it. Rick could see the value in something old that he might be able to make new. He even hunted down parts to rebuild his beloved Schwinn Stingray bike.

Rick's curiosity extended well beyond long lost treasures. He spent countless hours researching his family's genealogy, uncovering stories and forgotten connections that might otherwise have been lost. Rather than overwhelming family with facts, he delighted in sharing little discoveries here and there, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation for where they came from.

Anyone who knew Rick knew his mind was always working. He rarely had fewer than a hundred ideas competing for his attention. One project naturally sparked another before the first was finished. To some, it looked like unfinished business. To Rick, it was simply the excitement of endless possibility. His brain moved faster than most people could follow. But whenever he completed something, it reflected the care, precision, and thoughtfulness that defined everything he did.

Looking back, it is remarkable how Rick’s curiosity never faded. His desire to learn never slowed. This allowed him to experience the world from a unique perspective. Rick leaves behind much more than coins, engineering projects, or genealogy records. He leaves behind a way of looking at the world with wonder, patience, and the belief that there is always something new to discover. Every time his family asks one more question, takes something apart to see how it works, or finds joy in learning something new, a small part of Rick lives on.

Richard Merriman, Jr., of Lawton, age 62, died on June 28, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Merriman M.D. He is survived by his his mother, Joan Merriman; siblings: Kelli (John) Long, Maureen (Steve) Blohm, Patricia (Fabrice) Bonvoisin, and Michael (Kendra) Merriman; nieces and nephews: Maggie (Michael) Ford, Katie (Justin) Thompson, Maxwell (Devika) Merriman, Jason Blohm, Madeline Blohm, Elizabeth Merriman, Thomas Bonvoisin, and Andrew Merriman; and great-nephew and great-niece Hudson and Eleanor Ford.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation on Monday, July 13, from 5-7 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw, (269) 657-3870, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family is asking that Memorial donations may be directed to the USS Midway Museum in honor of Richard C. Merriman Jr., a place that reflected Rick's passion for preserving history and sharing it with others.