DODGE CITY – Larry G. Merrick, 82, died Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Kansas Soldiers Home, Halsey Hall, Ft. Dodge, Kansas.

He was born September 7, 1943 at Great Bend, Kansas the son of Grove “Jack” Travis and Ella Mae Esther (Batt) Merrick. He was a graduate of Dodge City High School and obtained his Associates Degree from Dodge City Community College and Emporia State University. He joined the United States Air Force on August 1966 and was stationed at the nuclear silos in North Dakota as well as Phan Rang AFB in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in August 1970 attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He worked for K&K Racing Insurance in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Graham Paper Company in Kansas City, Missouri and Wichita State University in the maintenance department, retiring in October 2010. After retirement, he worked as a greeter at Walmart in Dodge City for 14 years. He was baptized and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Dodge City and enjoyed auto racing, reading and music.

In 1953 while in the 3rd grade he met his best friend, Kirk Schrader and that friendship continued for 73 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 pm Monday, August 10, 2026 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Ryan Ausmus officiating. Private inurnment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.

Memorials are suggested to the Ford County Humane Society in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com