Randy Dean Merillat, 64, of rural Fayette, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 4, 2018. He died at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, the result of a sudden brain aneurysm. Born July 23, 1954, in Wauseon, he was the son of Bonita (Stantz) and the late Merrill Merillat.
A 1973 graduate of Gorham Fayette High School, Randy continued his education at the University of Toledo, Ferris State University, and Northwest State Community College. He married his high school sweetheart, soul mate, and love of his life, Penny Jay Borton, on June 24, 1972, at the Fayette Christian Church-Disciples of Christ.
Randy served as Maintenance Superintendent for Gorham and Franklin townships before being elected a Gorham Township Trustee in 1990, a position he has held since. He began his own business, Merillat’s Auto & Truck Service, LLC, a home-based complete automotive repair shop. He also had a towing service that he continued until his passing.
He served as an instructor for the Auto Technology program at Lenawee Intermediate School District (Vo-Tech) in Adrian from 1989 to 2007, and won several awards in numerous regional and state student competitions. He later went to work as Highway Superintendent for the Fulton County Engineers Department until July of 2016. Randy also served as a forensic expert for Leading Technologies, LLC and served numerous terms on the Board of Trustees of Pleasant View Union Cemetery.
Randy enjoyed farming, vacationing and traveling in his motorcoach with Penny, as well as attending various activities of his grandchildren. He loved telling his grandchildren numerous stories of the adventures of Turtle Joe, a beloved character he created. His greatest joy and achievement was the time he spent with his family.
Randy was a man of faith who loved the Lord. He was a member of the Fayette United Methodist Church. He had a generous and giving spirit, always wanting to help others. Because Randy was an organ and tissue donor, he was able to continue to help others, even after his death.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of over 46 years, Penny, are their children, Wesley (Steffenie) Merillat, Jadea (Leo) Wixom, Mac Merillat, and Abigail (Paul) Bieber; and the 11 grandchildren whom he adored, Sierra (Luke), Evan, Avah, Casen, Madeleine, Ellie, Caite, Gage, Evelyn, Khail, and Nolan. Also surviving are his mother, Bonita Merillat; father-in-law, Max Borton; and his two brothers, Darrell Merillat and Mike (Karen) Merillat. Preceding him in death are his father, Merrill Merillat, and his mother-in-law, Paula Borton.
The family will receive friends for memorial visitation on Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 1-7 p.m. at the Fayette United Methodist Family Life Center. A private burial service with Pastor Jesse Kahler officiating will take place at the Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions, in honor of Randy, be made to the Fayette United Methodist Church or Water for Good.