Obituary of John R. Merryman

John R. Merryman John R. Merryman passed away of natural causes on November 15, 2011 in Seattle, Washington, from complications while waiting for a lung transplant due to Acute Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 63 years old. John was born June 9, 1948 to Dewey R. “Bud” and Elizabeth N. “Naomi” Doolin Merryman in Olympia, Washington, where he lived most of his life. John graduated from Olympia High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years, and was stationed in Italy, Vietnam, and bases in California, Florida, and Washington. He retired from the Air National Guard with the rank of Master Sergeant after 13.5 years of service. He was an electrician by trade in both his military and civilian lives. He retired from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) where he was a traffic signal supervisor for WSDOT’s Northwest Region. John lived a very active lifestyle, and was always ready for a new adventure. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, riding motorcycles, golf and bowling. He was president and vice president of many bowling leagues over the years. He also loved spending time with family and friends, and traveling to various golf destinations. John worked hard and played hard. He had a great sense of humor, even though it was a little off-beat at times. He liked to drink a few beers but preferred a good vodka martini. He loved cooking and experimenting with new recipes, some really good and some not so good. His kitty, Smokey, had him very well trained and could make him get her treats with just a look. John did not always show it or say it, but he deeply loved all of his family and friends. John is survived by his partner/significant other of 29 years, Carol L. Bononi; sons, Shannon (Miriah Hammond) Merryman, and Benjamin Merryman, both of Olympia; extended family, Rob Bononi, Brian Bononi, Diane (Jeff) Fossett, all of Olympia; and sisters, Cathy Rosenfelder (Fred) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Roxanne Merryman of Olympia. He also is survived his and Carol’s three granddaughters, Nastasha (Jonathan) Waller of Puyallup, Keirston Fossett and Kaitlinn Hammond-Merryman, both of Olympia; one grandson, Westley Fossett of Olympia; and one great granddaughter, Payslie Waller of Puyallup. Donations in John’s name may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 20, P.O.Box 12580, Rochester, NY 14612, or the charity of your choice. Please leave memories of John or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.