Lt. Col. Timothy X. Merritt died on Oct. 6, 2024 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 58.
He was born on July 10, 1966 in Phoenix, Ariz. to Clarence E. Merritt and Carol A Furey.
He graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, Ariz. He joined the Army on April 1, 1988 and achieved the rank of staff sergeant on June 1, 1995. Tim was an enlisted soldier for 16 years before commissioning as a second lieutenant in 2004. He served his country overseas twice in Iraq and Afghanistan and responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, providing essential support to affected citizens. He was instrumental in the 249th Regional Training Institute, receiving excellent marks on multiple accreditations, and he successfully saw to the change of the regimental flag to infantry blue. He earned a doctorate in strategic leadership and foresight from Regent University in Virginia. He spent his youth in the Phoenix area before moving to Oregon.
Tim spent most of his adult life in Oregon and the last 10 years in Hermiston. He was an accomplished author and was well known for his insightful and expressive storytelling.
Tim was a devout Christan and attended the Faith Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Hermiston Rotary Club, member of the VFW Lyons DHAL Post 5407 and was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Shelter Box program. Tim held a second-degree black belt in karate and thoroughly enjoyed a good evening of karaoke with friends.
Tim was a devoted husband and loving family man. He was deeply committed to his wife, Pamela, with whom he shared 11 years of marriage filled with love, laughter and unwavering support. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he
cherished every moment spent with them. He will be remembered for his kind heart, selflessness and the lasting love he gave to those closest to him.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; mother, Carol Furey-Bryant; siblings, Mike Merritt, Pat Merritt and Mary Buress; four children, Connor Merritt, Heather Lueck, Lacy Holden and Tiffani Kundert; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services were held on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 425 S.E. Nineth Drive, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Memorial donations may be made to Trucare Pregnancy Clinic, 1155 W. Linda Ave., Suite B, Hermiston, Ore., 97838 in honor of Timothy Merritt.
Please share memories of Tim with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
