Herbert E. Merritt (“Herbie” or “Herb”) was born March 5, 1929 in Baltimore, MD. He passed away on August 16, 2017 in Vero Beach, FL at the age of 88.

He was one of sixteen children of the late Henry Clay Merritt and Anna Marie Merritt of Baltimore, MD. He was preceded in death by four brothers, John Norman Merritt, Melvin James Merritt, Henry Clay Merritt, Jr. of Baltimore, MD, and LeRoy Andrew Merritt of Essex, MD; three sisters, Bernice Myers of Prince George County, MD, Thelma Grimes of Baltimore, MD, and Florence Gill of Hebron, MD; and a very special friend, Ann Jenkins, who was born in Kaiser, WV and spent most of her adult life in Baltimore, MD.

He is survived by four brothers, Vernon George Merritt and Robert Lewis of Baltimore, Md, Christian Michael Merritt of Sykesville, MD, and George Elmer Merritt of Essex, MD; four sisters, Dorothy Neukam of Dundalk, MD, Beverly Roane of Essex, MD, Patricia Anuszewski and Jean Barth of Baltimore, MD.

He is also survived by long-time family friend, Patricia (Pat) Hargest, who along with her husband always included Herbie in special occasions and holiday celebrations, a tradition Pat continued even after she moved to Vero Beach.

Herbie served his country for two years in the United States Army and received training from the United States Air Force Corps of Engineers. Upon completion of his duty, he worked for Bethlehem Steel for a year and settled in for a thirty-four year career with Local Union #11 Insulators, retiring in 1987.

Ultimately, he relocated to Vero Beach, FL where he resided until his death. Herbie was an avid golfer and he accomplished the golfer’s dream (a hole in one) on the 14th green at Winters Run Golf Course in Baltimore with a 3 Iron. He was also quite accomplished at bowling. He started setting pins at the age of fourteen and he played the game for more than sixty years. Herbie was passionate about golf and bowling, and he played the game like he played his life out- from the heart and with his heart.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory will prepare him for his final trip, home to be with his loved ones.