Obituary of Col Joseph Edward Merrick

Col. Joseph "Joe" Edward Merrick Ret., 74, passed away at his home July 26, 2014, in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Joe was born on March 23rd, 1940, in Butte, Montana to Joseph and Edna (Landwehr) Merrick. In 1963, he married Susan Nesheim; recently sharing their 51st wedding anniversary. Best known as "Jose", Joe's call name, during a highly decorated career as a fighter pilot in The United States Air Force, Col Merrick exceeded all expectations as a Squadron Commander, Multinational Operational Test and Evaluation Commander, Fighter Weapon's School Commandant, Wing Commander, and Vice Commander of AFOTEC; to mention a few. Col. Merrick was a command pilot of the F-4, F-15, F-16, A-10 and F-105. He flew 380 combat missions during his two tours in the Vietnam War. Decorations include Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal. That same pride was carried to every community he and Susan called home, across the world. Joe is survived by his wife Susan Merrick, brother, Jim & (Lynne) Merrick, two son's Kevin and (Melissa) Merrick and Sean Merrick, and his two step children Lori Tillman and Don and (Karen) Luke; grand children are Bryan, Colleen, Chelsea, AJ, Bailey, and Austin. He will always be best remembered as the patriarch of this family and, forever, our beloved father, "Carlos", "Dad", "Pop", "Oompa", and "Superman". In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any memoriam be made in the form of a donation to The London Bridge Chapter of Disabled American Veterans & Hospice of Havasu. A memorial is scheduled for August 2, 2014, 2:00 pm, at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, Lake Havasu City, AZ. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Joe's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.