Joel K. Merritt

Joel K. Merritt, 88, formerly of Massillon, passed away in Middleport, Ohio on August 19, 2020. He was born on December 5, 1931 in Smithville, West Virginia to the late John and Verbia (Cox) Merritt. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. Joel had a talent and skill with machinery which started at a young age helping his father make molasses. Later in life, he used his skills for his career and worked as a mechanical/electrical engineer, doing mostly equipment maintenance, at several bakeries including Nickels Bakery, Holsum Bakery in Fort Wayne, Indiana and retiring from Continental Bakery in Philadelphia. In his spare time, Joel enjoyed the simple things in life especially being outdoors. He grew a garden every summer, loved bird watching and also had a special ability and artistic skill as a wood worker. Joel was also an avid Massillon Tigers fan. One of his greatest traits that his family will remember most was his sense of humor and ability to make others laugh. He will be deeply missed by his children Joel (Laura) Merritt, Jr., Cheryl (Greg) Taylor and Cyndi (Brett) Haller; step-children Richard Sanatore, Timothy (Carol) Sanatore, Lori Koutras and Rob Sanatore; 2 brothers Kenneth Merritt and Mike Merritt; several grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by his wife Alice Merritt, his 4 sons, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 24 from 10am-Noon at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Funeral services will follow at noon and burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.