Allen E. Merriam

Merriam, Allen E. of Vicksburg Al passed away Thursday morning, November 17, 2016 at Three River Health. He was born on July 11, 1937 in Kalamazoo, one of fourteen children to the late Vernon and Leeta Mae (Crosby) Merriam. On January 10, 1959, Al was married to Anna Hoogakker. He was employed by Georgia-Pacific Paper Co. for 28 years until his retirement in 2000. Al was a member of Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Anna Merriam; three children: Gail (Robert) Feister of Three Rivers, Terry (Dorothy) Merriam of Bronson and Jerry (Marie) Merriam of Sturgis; daughter-in-law: Marcia Merriam of Three Rivers; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister: Sally Peace of Kalamazoo; two brothers: Kenny (Marth) Merriam of Paw Paw and Jimmy Merriam of Kalamazoo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were a son: Jody Merriam; two sisters: Joyce Zimmerman and Donna Warren; eight brothers: Bruce, Bob, Carl, Clarence, Larry, Curtis, Vernon and Joe Merriam; and grandson, Roger Horein. Visitation will be from 2-5 PM on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. A funeral service to celebrate Al's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home. Rev. Wes Bittenbender will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center or American Heart Association . Please visit Al's personalized webpage for directions, or to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.