Joseph Merrick's Obituary
Joseph Michael Merrick, age 22 of Morrisville, MO passed away at 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar after a brief illness. Joseph was born in Bolivar, MO on December 7, 1986 the son James Dale Rash and Lorri Lynn Robinson. When we were given a day, we got a week. When we were given a month, we got a year. When we were given a year, we got five. Five turned into 22 wonderful years. Surviving is his son, Leeland Wray Merrick-Teeslink of Springfield, MO; His father James Dale Rash of Wheatland, MO; his mother, Lorri Lynn Davey and her fiancé John Nyberg of Pittsburg, MO; one brother, Nicholas Blaze Stanek of Springfield, MO; and one sister, Saundra Lynn Paul of San Marcos, TX; his grandparents, James Edward Rash of Goodson, MO; Betty L. Phillips of Marshall, AR; Vickie Allen of Bolivar, MO; and Norval Raymond Merrick of West Plains, MO; also his great grandmother, Barbara Marbarger of Bolivar, MO; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and more friends than one can count. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Slagle Cemetery south of Bolivar. Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Friday, February 20, 2009 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Justin Nida, George Gann, Chris Wright, J.R. Stafford, Joe Smith and James McGinnis. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com Return to top
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?