William L. Merrifield

William L. Merrifield, 94, longtime resident of Lake Perry, passed away on January 8, 2020.

He was born December 4, 1925 at Garden City, Missouri the son of Milton and Pansy Leadbetter Merrifield.   He grew up at Wellsville, Kansas and graduated from high school there.  Mr. Merrifield served in the United States Navy during World War II.  He was stationed aboard the USS Yancy at Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan.   He was a member of West Side Baptist Church where he served as usher and stewardship secretary.  He had been a member of the Lake Perry Country Club.  He loved to golf and fish.  The Merrifields moved to Topeka in 2017 from their home at Lake Perry, where they had lived for 43 years.

He was married on March 8, 1944 at Olathe to Alma “Marie” Danley.  They have been blessed to share over 75 years together.

Survivors include his wife Marie Merrifield of Topeka; two sons, Larry Merrifield and wife Teresa of Topeka and Craig Merrifield and wife Barbara of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; two daughters, Sherry Johnson and husband Joe of Lawrence and Sandra Wright and husband Marlin of Piggott, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Deanna Merrifield in Lawrence.

Mr. Merrifield was preceded in death by two sons, Gary Merrifield in 2006 and Robert Merrifield in 1999.  His brother Robert Merrifield also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at West Side Baptist Church in Topeka.  Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of America Adult and Teen Challenge, 9800 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri 64133.   To leave the family a message, please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com.