LTC Timothy X Merritt

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy X. Merritt
Timothy Xavior Merritt of Hermiston passed away October 6, 2024, at his home in at the age of 58.  He was born on July 10, 1966, in Phoenix, AZ to Clarence E. Merritt and Carol A Furey.  He graduated high school from Westwood High School in Mesa, AZ.  
He joined the Army on 1 April 1988 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1June 1995.  LTC Merritt was an enlisted Soldier for 16 years before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 2004.  He served his country overseas twice in Iraq and Afghanistan and responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; providing essential support to affected citizens.  He was instrumental in 249th Regional Training Institute receiving excellent marks on multiple accreditations, and he successfully saw to the change of the regimental flag to infantry blue.  
LTC Merritt earned a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Foresight from Regent University in Virginia.  He spent his youth in the Phoenix area before moving to Oregon.  Dr. Merritt spent most of his adult life in Oregon and the last ten years in Hermiston.  He was an accomplished author and was well known for his insightful and expressive storytelling.  
LTC Merritt was a devout Christan and attended the Faith Presbyterian Church.  He was a member of the Hermiston Rotary Club, member of the VFW Lyons DHAL Post 5407 and was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Shelter Box program.  LTC Merritt held a second-degree black belt in karate and thoroughly enjoyed a good evening of karaoke with friends.
LTC Merritt was a devoted husband and loving family man.  He was deeply committed to his wife, Pamela, with whom he shared eleven years of marriage filled with love, laughter and unwavering support.  His greatest joy in life was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them.  He will be remembered for his kind heart, selflessness and the lasting love he gave to those closest to him.   
He is survived by his wife Pamela; mother Carol Furey- Bryant; siblings Mike Merritt, Pat Merritt and Mary Buress; four children, Connor Merritt, Heather Lueck, Lacy Holden & Tiffani Kundert; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.  

A funeral service will be held on Sunday October 27th at 1:00 pm at the Faith Presbyterian Church, 1005 SE 9th St, Hermiston, OR  97836.  Immediately following the service, a celebration of Tim’s life will be held at the Sno Road Winery, 111 W Main St. Echo, OR  97826.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 425 SE 9th Drive, Hermiston, OR  97838

Memorial donations may be made to Trucare Pregnancy Clinic 1155 W. Linda Ave Suite B  Hermiston, OR  97838, in honor of Timothy Merritt.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please share memories of Tim with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.  

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