Frank William Merrill, 72, of Minford, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, March 7, 2011 at his residence.

Born August 13, 1938 in Scioto County, he was the son of the late Joseph Bennett and Elizabeth Kirker Betts Merrill. He was currently employed as a teacher at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility and he had taught in Minford School District for 28 years. He was a member of Western Sun Masonic Lodge #91, a former volunteer firefighter for Porter Township and a member of Hamilton Glades Free Will Baptist Church. His biggest accomplishment was being a loving, caring dad and grandpa. He will forever be remembered by family and friends.

He is survived by two sons, Bob Lute of Lucasville, Joe Merrill of Minford; two daughters, Terri Born of South Shore, Becky (Mark) Culp of Minford; ten grandchildren, Robert Born, Ryan Born, Jeremy Lute, Monte Lute, Bobbi Lou Hobbs, Brandon Lute, Luke Culp, Andrea Culp, Danielle Culp and Marilyn Culp Born; nine great-grandchildren; three nieces, Becky Merrill Bailey, Tina Merrill Bailey, Bonnie Merrill Sparks; two great-nephews; two great-nieces; one great-great-nephew, and several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Lou Merrill on August 6, 2006 whom he married February 14, 1969; one son, Danny Lute, and one brother, Joseph Merrill.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford with Pastor Ron Parker officiating. Burial will be at Harrison Furnace Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Masonic services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Friday by Western Sun Masonic Lodge #91.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.edafh.com.

Donations may be made to Holzer Hospice of Jackson, 190 Water Street, Jackson, OH 45640.