Merritt, Ernest (Died)

Smithville, June 3 - Active in business in this village for 25 years until he retired four years ago due to ill health, Ernest Merritt died suddenly at his home yesterday.

In his 63rd year, he was born in South Grimsby on June 24, 1883, a son of the late Palmer and Nettie Merritt. He farmed for several years before purchasing the furniture and funeral business of Hicks and Irvine and establishing the Merritt Funeral Home here 29 years ago.

He was a member of the Lincoln County Police for the last 20 years. Active in fraternal circles he was a past master of Coronation Lodge No. 502 A.F. and A.M., a past Z of Smithville Chapter No. 240 Royal Arch Masons; a life member and past patron of Dorcas Chapter No. 111, Eastern Star, and a member of the Orange Order. In religion he was a member of Smithville United Church.

Surviving besides his wife, the former Grace L. Lynch, are two sons, Hugh, of Kitchener, and Sidney, of Niagara Falls; a daughter, Mrs. J.R. Oswald, St. Catharines, and a sister, Mrs. W.J. Sheridan, of Hamilton, also 4 grandchildren.