Ed Merritt

Edward Merritt, 84, of Bettendorf Iowa joined our Lord and Savior on December 6, 2024. 

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Facebook Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m. with a prayer service and time of sharing offered at 3:30 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Additional visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday in the gathering space at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Ed was born in Denver Colorado on January 7, 1940 to Earl and Katherine Merritt. Katherine’s guidance and support throughout Ed’s life planted a fruitful seed that was rooted in faith. He began his lifelong career in education in a one room schoolhouse in Missouri. He attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Pierce City, Missouri where he served mass every day. The childhood memories from Pierce City with his 5 loving siblings are many and treasured. As a senior he attended a Catholic School in Joplin, Missouri, which was a 40 mile round-trip. There Ed excelled in all sports, especially basketball and baseball. This opportunity led to Ed being chosen for a scholarship to play at Benedictine Heights College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Charlene . They were married on January 6, 1964 and just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. During college, he excelled at baseball and was recognized as a top prospect in the New York Yankee organization. He played eight years in the minor leagues for the Yankees and two for the Angels. Ed loved to share about his spring training experiences; playing with Mickey Mantle, Roger Morris, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, etc. With a growing family of three and a masters of education(+30) the decision was made to begin teaching at Pleasant Valley High School in 1970. For the next 30 years, Coach Merritt taught social studies and physical education. Ed coached track, football and most notably served as head varsity baseball and head basketball coach. He had several state baseball appearances and was very proud when his basketball team went to state in the final four for the first time in PV history. Ed was decorated with many honors, including several district Coach of the Year awards and was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. 

Ed/Mr. Merritt was not only a coach, he was also a mentor and teacher who influenced many students over the years and inspired their faith. Mr. Merritt was intricately involved with supporting and growing the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) program at PV and received the Hall of Faith award. He impacted many lives and helped them grow closer to God. He also sponsored many trips to Washington, D.C. with students with Project Close Up. 

Ed was involved in his church community serving on the Our Lady of Lourdes Board of Education for many years and was involved with church choir, the Knights of Columbus and many outreach programs, including Big Brothers as a mentor. He served his country in his earlier years by being in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. He was a gentleman farmer, a real estate contractor and investor in his (very little) free time. 

Dad /Papa was beloved by his three children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, giving us a lifetime of memories. He always shared a greeting with a big smile and hug and a genuine love for all of us. In retirement, Ed enjoyed golf, travel, gaming, time with family, and a good discussion. We are forever grateful for the influence he had on so many, his family especially. As he often said. “I’m a millionaire.” Not because of the money he had in life, but because of the relationships he’s made, the people he met in life, and successes God helped him achieve. 

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; children: Ed Junior, Brad (Cheryl), Montse (Rick) Madden; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Ryan (Caitlin) Merritt (Remy and Mavie), Katie (Joe) Kern, Amanda (Logan) Ahnquist (Lily, Brady, and Ava), Drew, Paige, and Emma Madden; siblings John Merritt, Mary (Lenny) Ruggiero, Jim (Alice) Merritt, Don (Susie) Merritt, Bob (Kathy) Merritt; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by Katherine Merritt (mother) and Tyler Madden (birthday buddy and grandson). Memorial donations can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Women’s Choice Center, or St. Joan of Arc Foundation (new Bettendorf Catholic School).