SERVICE
Hill & Son Funeral Home
Appleton City, Missouri
Saturday, February 3, 2007
2:00 p.m.

MINISTERS
Rev. Wilbur Zink, Rev. Bob Fenwick, Rev. Larry Wheeler and Rev. Tony Reynolds

VISITATION
Hill & Son Funeral Home
Appleton City, Missouri
Friday, February 2, 2007
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

INTERMENT
Appleton City Cemetery
Appleton City, Missouri

MEMORIAL
First Christian Church

David Clyde Merriman, son of Ralph Oliver and Lavina Pearl (Park) Merriman, was born September 28, 1908 in Henry County, Missouri. He departed this life January 31, 2007 at Appleton City Manor Nursing Home in Appleton City, Missouri at 98 years of age.

Clyde's early life was shaped by his loving grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, Sunday school teachers, preachers and evangelists. Many doors were opened and many circumstances shaped him for his entire life which was spent in ministry. Clyde lived on the family farm working with his parents and caring for them in their later lives until their passing. He accepted Christ at an early age, knowing even then that he wanted to share his Christian beliefs from the pulpit. He spent much time practicing his preaching on his tractor, in the field while working and in the woods to the birds, bees and whatever creatures were listening. His spare time was spent studying his bible. He was a quiet, sensitive, pensive man, knowledgeable about his bible and well versed in its scriptures. He chose not to marry but instead to serve the Lord and shepherd His family. Brother Clyde had a large close knit family of Christian friends whom he led to the Lord and cared for deeply.

Clyde attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois or two years. He later served Bates, Henry and St. Clair counties where he was in the pulpit at Lowry City, Park Grove, Ohio, Osceola, Pleasant Gap, Appleton City and Deepwater Christian Churches. He had a hunger for what God had to offer and always felt compelled to share the love and commitment he had with others. He spent much time immersed in bible study and had been given the gift of interpretation of those scriptures. Brother Merriman was a mentor to many who chose to share God's Message. He was a "pastor's pastor" sharing and strengthening other ministers and messengers of the Gospel. There are several to his credit whom he mentioned: Rev. Larry Wheeler, Rev. Wilbur Zink, Rev. Bob Fenwick, Dr. Paul Deal and Howard Hellwig, Ted Akers, Gene Barker, Arleigh Martin and Rodney Randall.

Brother Clyde never knew a stranger and was willing to talk to anyone who wished to share a few moments in conversation with him. He always wore a contented smile; one that was full of assurance of the place he knew was waiting for him at the end of his earthly journey. His love of Christ was ever present, sometimes subtly and other times very vividly. He would share with anyone who wished to hear what God had put on his heart. All who had the privilege of knowing and studying with Brother Clyde were truly blessed by Christ's aura which surrounded him. He is no doubt questioning Abraham and Moses, and chuckling around the table with many friends that have been waiting for his arrival.

Preceding Clyde in death were his parents a sister Dora Icel Merriman and a brother Buster Merriman. Survivors include a sister Georgia Williams of Clinton, Missouri; five nephews, Ron Williams and Rick Williams both of Clinton, Missouri, Francis Merriman of Kansas City, Missouri, Kenny Merriman of Chilhowee, Missouri and Terry Merriman of Blue Springs, Missouri; two nieces, Jeannie Bybee of Deepwater, Missouri and Judy Sierks of Lincoln, Missouri.