Richard Earl Merrick

Richard Earl Merrick, originally from Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 90 at Primrose Assisted Living in Mansfield. Richard’s final goal was to make it to the age of 90 which he achieved after fighting cancer for many years.

Richard was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 30, 1935, to Clarence and Anne Merrick. Clarence was quite excited to have his new bundle of joy so late in the year of 1935 but still get to claim him for the entire year on his taxes….a story Dad loved to tell! Richard was the youngest of 3 boys and graduated from South High School. After looking for love in all the wrong places he met Janice Kerscher at his weekly bowling league and they married on May the 24th , 1969. They began their married life on the East side of Columbus, then after a few years they made the decision to adopt their first son, Scott in 1972. After having way too much time on their hands after Scott was out of diapers the decision was made to adopt their second son, Todd. For the record, Scott was not consulted on this decision but ended up being OK with it. Richard worked for most of his career as an oƯset printer where he was very talented, however he allegedly lost some of his hearing. It should be noted some inside sources believe he was just ignoring us and could actually hear everything that was said. Richard retired from DCSC at the ripe old age of 62 and since Janice was still at work he took on the hobby of tinkering around the house. Then relatives’ houses. Then Scott’s house. Best known for his car washing abilities and creative solutions for diƯicult problems….such as to saw the legs oƯ a couch to make it fit downstairs and using a nut and bolt to attach the top back on a hanger instead of buying a new hanger. After a family meeting, it was decided that grandchildren were needed to find a better use for his time. Thus began the legend of Papa and spending time with his 4 grandchildren who he loved beyond words.

Richard is survived by his sons, Scott (Elizabeth) of Lexington, Ohio and Todd (Katie) of Portland, Oregon as well as his four grandchildren Jae, Zoe, James, Collin. Richard is also survived by his sister-in-law Eileen Merrick, as well as brother-in-law Ken (Babs) Kerscher, sister-in-law Nancy (George) Parsley, sister-in-law Marilyn Sweeny, and sister-in-law Maryann Kerscher as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.Richard was preceded in death by his wife of close to 57 years, Janice as well as his parents Clarence and Anna Merrick. Brother Clarence Jr. Brother Ronald Merrick with whom he shared special bond, as well as brother-in-law Dan Kerscher and sister-in-law Joanne Kinzelman and her husband Larry. Along with many dear friends along the way.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, where his prayer service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon Stephen Venturini as the celebrant. Entombment will take place immediately after the service at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Earl Merrick, please visit our floral store.