HENRY, Tenn. — Merle A. “Sonny” Mearida, 79, of Henry, Tenn., formerly of Wapella, passed away at 7:20 a.m. on September 5, 2021, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Jackson, Tenn.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Jerry Hunter officiating. Visitation will be held from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the Danville National Cemetery.

Memorial may be directed to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Merle was born on July 16, 1942, in Wapella, the son of Merle C. “Buddy” and Rosa (Lowery) Mearida. He married Sharon Lehman on March 2, 1963 in Atlanta, Ga.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Mearida, Henry, Tenn.; children, Janet (Rob) Wick, Bloomington; Susan (Mike) Freed, Roberts, Ill.; Beth (Bradlie) Mennenga, Irving, Texas; and Kenneth (Kylene) Mearida, DeWitt, Ill., seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; siblings, Ronald (Vicki) Mearida, Wapella; Nancy Scott, Bloomington; and Barbara (Allen) Pence, Wapella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Billy.

Sonny was a truck driver and was the owner of S&S Pallets, in Wapella. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Sonny enjoyed spending winters in Rio Grand Valley, Texas, and eating with friends and family. He loved his dogs, Cody and Khloe, and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com