Joseph Leroy Merritt, 71, of Bonne Terre died April 13, 2026, at Parkland Medical Center in Farmington. Mr. Merritt was a retired carpenter for Fred Weber, Inc., and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely. He was an animal lover and an avid racing fan, known for his skills in building racing motors and cars. Born March 1, 1955, in Farmington, he was the son of the late Helen Yvonne (O’Dell) and Joseph Monroe Merritt.
He is survived by his wife: Connie Elizabeth (Pease) Merritt; a son: Joseph W. (Kelly) Merritt of De Soto; twin grandsons: Jacob and Ryan Merritt; two sisters: Elizabeth (Richard) Barks and Mary (Tom) Cross, both of Festus; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely, officiated by Pastor Bryan Roberts of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely. Interment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Pevely. Memorials may be made to the Goode Life Pet Rescue in Herculaneum. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home.