Tyler D Merritt

Tyler Dewitt Merritt, 34, of El Paso, passed away on October 21, 2019.   He was born August 1, 1985 in Searcy, Arkansas. He was a 2003 graduate of Searcy High School and employed by Venture Equipment of Searcy.

     Tyler is survived by his wife Ashley Merritt and daughter Maggie Anne Merritt age 2;  father Steve Merritt (Heidi) of Beebe; mother Charlotte Merritt of Live Oak, TX; father-in-law Mark Richards (Christy) of Searcy; mother-in-law Lesa Wilkinson-Richards of Bradford; sisters Taylor Merritt of Live Oak, TX, Haley Washburn of Beebe;  Annalise Merritt of Cabot; brother-in-law Allen Richards of Bradford; grandmother Frances Merritt of Searcy, grandfather; Charlie Jackson of Jacksonville; uncles David Merritt (Kathi), of Searcy; Damon Merritt (Julie) of Judsonia; aunts Kathy Merritt Garrison (Larry) of Searcy; Denise Kendrick (Robert) of Benton and a host of close cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

     Tyler was preceded in death by his grandfather Douglas Merritt; grandmother Bunny Jackson Ringer (Nana); brother-in-law Bradley Washburn; uncle Donald Graham; and nephew Nicholas Washburn 

     Tyler was an outdoorsman and avid duck hunter.  He was an accomplished competitive duck caller and member of Team Echo Pro Staff for many years.  Over his lifetime, he won numerous duck calling titles.  His first title was Junior World Champion at Wings Over The Prairie Festival in Stuttgart, AR which led to an appearance on Nickelodeon TV show “Figure It Out” where he stumped the celebrity panel trying to figure out his claim to fame.   At 14, he won the Intermediate World Championship and later was a two time winner of the Arkansas State Championship.  He placed in the top ten Men’s World Championship several times and in 2009 was first runner up.  He appeared on Ducks Unlimited Television, Outdoor Channel, Arkansas Outdoors and for years in Echo Calls produced videos.  He was also featured in the December 2003 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine.  

     Tyler lived life to the fullest! He was absolutely saved by Jesus Christ and is right now teaching his Savior Jesus Christ “double cluck” or that “sweet talk”  those ducks like hearing so well.  Heaven gained a sweet gentle soul who always was a giver.  Tyler made a difference in so many lives and will be missed. 

     In lieu of flowers, an education fund is being set up at Simmons Bank for his greatest accomplishment in life, Maggie Anne Merritt. 

     Visitation will be Saturday, October 26 from 9-11 followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at West Race Baptist Church with arrangements handled by Sullivan Funeral Care.  

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