Gary A. Merritt

Gary Aaron Merritt, age 83, of Shawnee, KS, went home to be with the Lord January 10, 2023. He was born in Kansas City, KS and attended Wyandotte High School. He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Southern California. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gretchen Pomerenke Merritt, as well as his five children and 12 grandchildren, listed here: Todd Knupp of Olathe, KS; Kirk Merritt (wife Gretchen Henderson Merritt) of Overland Park, KS; Grady Merritt (wife-Shari Miller Merritt) of Parker, KS, Joy Fogarty (husband-Michael Fogarty) of Bixby, OK; Erin Guild (husband-Troy Guild) of Fort Mill, SC.

Gary was a homebuilder who then became a commercial real estate broker. He was also a talented singer who sang frequently on “Something Beautiful” in the 1980s, as well as lending his talents to different ministries in the Kansas City area. He served in the Kansas Legislature as a state representative for two terms. He was active in many ministries in the Kansas City area — Prison Fellowship ministries, Celebrate Recovery, Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center, and many more.

He was a big Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan, and always tried to catch their games whenever he could. He also enjoyed the sport of boxing. He drank his coffee black, loved ice cream, and never stacked dirty dishes. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 16, from 10-11 a.m. at Kingdom Living Messianic Church, 7230 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS 66216, with a funeral service to immediately follow.  Burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Kingdom Living Ministries .