Huck Merrick

Huck Legend Martin Merrick, infant son of Andy and Buffee Powell-Merrick of Astoria, was born sleeping at 5:30 AM, Thursday, April 2, 2020, at the Women and Children’s Center at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

In addition to his parents Huck is survived by one brother Ridge Lee Merrick of Astoria, one half-brother Pfc. Dalton Moore stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, his maternal grandparents Rick Powell and companion Barb Tolle of Camden, paternal grandparents Steve & Connie Merrick of Astoria, maternal great grandfather Dick Powell of Rushville, maternal great grandmother Opal Martin of Littleton, paternal great grandmother Willadean Shaffer of Astoria, , two uncles Rusty Powell and companion Susan Weishaar of Rushville and Jeffrey Merrick and wife Jodi of Browning, and several great and great great aunts and uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Nancy Powell, maternal great grandmother Myrna Powell, maternal great grandfather Harlan Martin, paternal great grandfather Dewey “Rocky” Shaffer, Jr. and paternal great grandparents Raymond J. and Elizabeth Hope Merrick.

Due to the current health situation and directives from the Illinois Governor and the CDC, private graveside services will be held at the Gray Cemetery, near Camden with Debbie Hester officiating.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, Illinois or the Women and Children’s Center at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.