Francis Oliver Merriman passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2021 at the age of 80 years in the home of his daughter Nancy Biondo in Elsberry, Missouri. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton with visitation one hour prior to the service. His cremains will be laid to rest in Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Francis "Skip" Oliver Merriman was born southeast of Deepwater to Ralph "Buster" Oliver Merriman and Nada Frances (McGinness) Merriman on July 15, 1940. He spent his boyhood southwest of Deepwater in the Pleasant Valley community where he went to grade school and Deepwater high school where he graduated in 1958. He went to Washington State and worked in the Apple harvest, on his return to Missouri, worked as a logger for a while, Francis ran a drill rig for Joy Harper Well Drilling. Francis moved to Kansas City area and worked, retiring from the Teamsters Union. After retiring Francis helped Jerry Vest out in MR. Vest business in Kansas City, Kansas, and worked part time for Chair Rental Associates. He went to war re-enactments and made several trips back to Washington State where he was in his younger days. Francis was an avid enthusiast of all things history. He participated in war re-enactments for most of his adult life. He was a treasure trove of information with regards to history and the politics of American history. He was active and passionate about the welfare of the homeless community in the greater Kansas City area in his later years.

Francis was preceded in death by his mother and father, and is survived by his children; Frank Merriman of Seymour, Missouri, Nancy Biondo (Brad) of Elsberry, Missouri, Scott Merriman (Betty) of Onaga, Kansas, Patrick Merriman and Donnie Merriman of Topeka, Kansas and Michael Merriman of Independence, Missouri, along with 16 grandchildren and countless great grandchildren. Also survived by a brother Kenneth Merriman (Wilma) of Clinton, Missouri, 2 sisters; Judy Siercks of Windsor, Missouri, Jean Bybee (Ron) of Deepwater, Missouri, 1 aunt; Georgia Williams of Clinton, Missouri, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.