Raymond C. Merrill

Raymond C. Merrill, resident of Sylvania, OH, passed away September 7, 2023 at 6pm at the Franciscan Care Center, with his family by his side. Raymond was born to Ralph and Pearl (Greisinger) Merrill. He worked unloading cargo ships at the Toledo World Terminal docks on the east side, for 30 years. He married Leola Ann Higgins, on June 29th, 1957, and remained for 60 years before her passing on February 19th, 2018. Ray served in the United States Army, in the Korean War. Raymond enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Browns, and Toledo Mudhens. During his stay at the Franciscan Care Center, he enjoyed going on outings and loved playing bingo "which he won many times", and gave his daughter Patty the prizes. He enjoyed the staff, including: Natalie, Patrice, Laurie and others from activities, Laurie and Sharon in dietary and the rest of the staff. Ray made many friends at Franciscan Care Center including Kathy, Mary, Pearl, Odessa, George, David, and his late friend, Arthur, who served in the Navy.

Ray was a beloved father of Leola Wetzel, Patty (Keith) Williams, Raymond Merrill, Ronald Merrill, and the late Kathleen Merrill. Grandfather of Joseph (Abigail) Wetzel, Nichole (Steve Miller) Wetzel, Jeffrey Merrill, and many other grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.


A special thanks from the family to all of the staff at Franciscan Care Center. We are truly blessed and thankful for all of the compassion showed for our father but also for us in our time of need.

Thank you to Kind Hearts Hospice, it's only been a short time, but all of the care you have shown, we are very grateful for choosing Kind Hearts for Raymond's last days.

Thank you to Sister Jordan for all of her prayers and her friendship during a time when Ray and all of our family, needed it most.

A special note from Patty:

"Thank you for all you have done for me, being there. Thank you for serving in our military – for our freedom. Now I hope you rest in peace, you have worked hard in your life. Now you're with your wife and family. Goodbye Daddy, I love you and miss you so much already."

A visitation will be held for Raymond on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel at 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614.

Ray's funeral service will take place the following morning, Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel at 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614.

Raymond will be laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park.