Richard Clark “Dick” Merrifield

Richard Clark “Dick” Merrifield, 81, of Cedar Rapids, passed away at the UCLA Regional Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, surrounded by his immediate family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Sherrie Ilg and will include military honors by the American Legion Post #727. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

Dick was born on Feb. 3, 1932, in Kezar Falls, Maine, to Elton D. and Ruth M. (Clark) Merrifield. Upon graduation from Porter High School, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His first assignment was at Tullin Air Force Base in Vienna Austria. It was there that he met Hertha Johanna Zach. They were married in Vienna on July 17, 1954.

During Dick’s 21 year career in the Air Force, the family lived in Massachusetts; Madrid, Spain; Presque Isle, Maine; Orlando, Fla.; Clark AFB, Philippines; and Sumter, S.C. Dick also served a year in Vietnam in 1964. Upon his retirement in 1971, the family moved to Winter Park, Fla. His final job was working at Winter Pines Golf Course in the pro shop. This was an ideal job for Dick as he loved golf and people.

Dick and Hertha relocated to Cedar Rapids in 1995 to be close to their daughter, son-in-law and grandsons. He chauffeured his grandsons to school, music lessons and events. As they grew older, he could always be found in the stands or audience supporting his grandsons in their many activities in both high school and college.

Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hertha; daughter, Melissa Merrifield Williams and her husband, Bill of Cedar Rapids; grandsons, Bryan Williams and his girlfriend, Kristel Choy of Culver City, Calif. and Justin Williams of Studio City, Calif.; sister, Judy Sawyer of Porter, Mass.; sisters-in law, Ann Merrifield of Fryeburg, Mass. and Elfie Penn of Orlando, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Elton D. and Ruth C. Merrifield; his brothers, William “Bill” and David; and his brothers-in-law, William “Bill” Sawyer and Harold Penn.

Dick will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and the constant twinkle in his blue eyes. He cherished the time he spent with family and friends, whether sharing memories or watching sports, especially golfing. The highlight of Dick’s week was his Sunday phone calls with Bryan and Justin.

The family wishes to thank the pulmonary team that supported him in his stay at the ICU unit at UCLA Regional Medical Center. Dr. Rajan Saggar and his team, as well as all the nurses, were wonderful and supportive to the whole family. Thank you to all that kept Dick and his family in your prayers.

Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Published Nov. 11, 2012 in The Gazette