Gerald Steven Merritt
Gerald Steven Merritt (Tinman) (Peepaw), a retired “tinner” from the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 36, and resident of Frenchtown, St. Charles, MO, joined his Heavenly Father on July 10, 2026, at the age of seventy-five years old.
(Gerald) Steve is survived by his brother Robert Merritt (Uncle Bob), step-sister Stacey Wright, children Israel (Anthea) Merritt, Hannah (David) Piel, Josiah (Nicole) Merritt, Erika (Tim) Armstrong. Seventeen grandchildren: Haili, Dorian, Taryn, Gaige (Kristen), Brett, Tylor, Grant, Cooper, Ella, Kyra, Finley, Taegan, Beau, Gwen, Brooklynn, Paisley, Freya. Four great grandchildren: Kaison, Lydia, Jackson, and Lucas. Steve is predeceased by his parents Donald Merritt Sr., Sandra Merritt; Charlotte (Robinson, Merritt) and Garon Crafton; his brother Donald Merritt Jr.; and his son Douglass (Doug) Merritt.
Steve was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 15,1951 to the proud parents of Donald Merritt Sr. and Charlotte Merritt (Robinson). He married Janis Poe in 1970. They were married for 27 years. They had five children, which led to Steve becoming “Peepaw” to 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In 1997, Steve married his second wife Karen McCarthy. They separated in 2017.
Steve loved sports and was a coach to his son Josiah’s baseball team for many years.
Steve worked with the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 36 for thirty-five years before retiring. He loved working with sheetmetal and with his hands. Steve was an amazing “tinner”, carpenter and an excellent teacher to those willing to learn the trade. He worked all over the Midwest on various jobs. In 2018, Steve constructed a beautiful Memorial Wall for the National Kidney Foundation in honor of his son, Doug Merritt. That Memorial Wall is still being utilized by the National Kidney Foundation in the region on various NKF walks to honor and remember all the people who didn’t survive their kidney disease.
In the mid to late 1970’s, Steve and Janis were missionaries for 5 1/2 years in Chicago, Illinois and on the island of St. Lucia. His work for Christ and experiences during this time, were with him through the rest of his life.
He was a lover of the outdoors and all the activities that entailed. He would often bike the Katy Trail. One of his favorite hobbies was kayaking. He loved the Missouri River. One of his greatest accomplishments was completing the MR-340 kayaking race. Steve kayaked for 4 days traveling from Kansas City to St. Charles on the Missouri River (340 miles).
For over 10+ years, 2017-2026, Steve volunteered at Greenway Network monthly meetings. He advocated strongly for the integrity and conservation of the Missouri River.
Steve was active in the community and loved being able to give back to it. He helped all over Frenchtown volunteering with various projects. Steve paved the way for coffee shops in Frenchtown after opening a local free space (RedBird RestStop, a tribute to Doug Merritt). Among the many things Steve did in Frenchtown, some included helping to fix or restore local restaurants and helping with a mural on North Second Street. He loved giving back to the community and did so in many creative ways.
Steve was an avid collector of all things he thought were interesting. He was strong, brave, resilient, sentimental, and passionate; he always found the positive in people and never met a stranger.
The love Steve had for his family is one thing that was always present. Steve (Peepaw) worked tirelessly to take care of his children, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He talked about them often to anyone that would listen. He believed in their dreams and helped them in any way to reach them. He believed his children were his greatest blessing, which was evident in his quote, “I am not a lucky man, I am a Blessed man.” We are thankful that God shared this man with us all.
See you soon Dad.
We love you so much!
Visitation
Monday, July 27
4-8pm
Grace Community Chapel
7661 Mexico Rd
St. Peters, MO 63376
Funeral service
Tuesday, July 28
10-11am
Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel
5200 Lucas-Hunt Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
Burial following the 10-11am service
Memorial Park Cemetery
5200 Lucas-Hunt Rd.
St. Louis ,MO 63121
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation on behalf of Gerald Steven Merritt (Steve). https://kidneytribute.
The family of Gerald Steven Merritt wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and all the acts of love and kindness shown to us in our bereavement. Your thoughtfulness and concern will be cherished.