(KAIR)--The city of Atchison lost one of their own Wednesday when former mayor Doug Merritt passed away. Merritt, who served as mayor from 1981-1983, always considered Atchison his hometown.
In addition to serving as mayor, Merritt also answered the call to serve, and served time in the Navy during world war two. After the war, he completed his education and started a career as a veterinarian. Eventually, he decided to fulfill a dream, and completed his law degree before starting practice as a public defender in Jackson County, Mo.
He eventually retired from law and moved his family back to Atchison, where he eventually became a city councilman and eventually, mayor. One of Merritt's reigning tributes as mayor was unveiling the of the Amelia Earhart statue in downtown Atchison. Well known for his Libertarian philosophy, Merritt became a published author in 2009 when his book, “A Libertarian Viewpoint,” was released.
Services for Douglass Merritt will be held Monday morning at 11:00. He is survived by his wife Marge; his two daughters Renee and Rebecca; and two sons, Marcus and Jonathan; as well as 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Plastic ducks set to race in Atchison Saturday