Died: Sunday, July 15, 2007

Age: 73

William J. Merritt, 73, died July 15.

Born in St. Louis, Mr. Merritt resided in Oakville. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was general manager of the Regional Chamber & Growth Association’s St. Louis Commerce magazine from 1990 through 1992. Mr. Merritt also was a volunteer reader at Radio Information Services and at Kingdom House, and master of ceremonies and a soloist with the Twilight Singers. He was a member of Forest Park Masonic Lodge No. 578 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

Survivors include his wife, Judith (nee Pace); children and stepchildren, Donna and Roger Reinhardt, Keith and Rosemary Merritt, Elizabeth and Howard Rorie, and Jeff and Leesa Eddy; and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by his first wife, Agnes Merritt (nee Schmalz), and brother, Robert Merritt.

Services and visitation were at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons, south county. Burial was in Lakewood Park Cemetery.