Funeral services for Joe White Merriman, 76, of Smithville, were held Oct. 24 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Bro. Dillard Johnson officiated with burial following in Banks Cemetery.   
Mr. Merriman passed away Oct. 22 at NHC Healthcare Center. He was a retired farmer and nurseryman and affiliated with the Freewill Baptist Church. Joe enjoyed coaching softball before his stroke on March 31, 1983. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Annie Underhill Merriman; seven brothers, Lillard, Hervie, J.E., Tom, Oliver, Jack and William “Bill” Merriman; five sisters, Lillie and Gracie Murphy, Louise and Lee Bratcher and Parlie Merriman.
Survivors include four sons, Ronald (Denise) Merriman, Marty (Peggy) Merriman, Glynn (Rhonda) Merriman, Roy (Lisa) Merriman, all of Smithville; two daughters, Crystal (Clayton) Moore, Sandy (Hugh) Willingham, both of Smithville; grandchildren, Kelly, Lorrie, Joseph, Corey, Meagan, Mason, Michah, Kayla and Kelsie Merriman, Kasen and Lydia Johnson, Hunter Moore, Martin and Delia Willingham; and a great-grandson, Presley Merriman.
Pallbearers included Bobby Merriman, Steve Merriman, David Bratcher, Mike Merriman, Jeff Merriman, Mitchell Merriman, Avery Bratcher and Eddie Merriman.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.