Ladd Eric Merritt age 49 of Toronto, OH passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 4, 1966 in Steubenville, OH

Ladd was a member of the Bell Chapel United Methodist Church of Steubenville (Pleasant Hill) and was affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Steubenville, OH and the Pottery Addition Volunteer Fire Department; was a Steeler fan and loved to hunt, fish, go four wheeling, work on cars and loved his diesel truck. He was a 1984 graduate of Jefferson Union High School where he played on the football team.

He was employed by Die Tech Machine Co. of Bloomingdale, OH as a machinist

Ladd was preceded in death by his mother, Lila Louise (Miller) Merritt in 2010; brother, Scotty Merritt and a sister Robin Merritt.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy L. (VanFossen) Merritt whom he married December 28, 1990; father, Laddie E. Merritt of Toronto, OH; daughters, Samantha Merritt and fiancé Tyler Pasco of Newark, OH and Alexandra Merritt and fiancé Nicholas Beckner of West Newton, PA; brothers, Todd (Penney) Merritt of Gainesville, VA and Bruce Merritt of Steubenville, OH; sisters, Vickie Scott and Shelli (Bob) Jackson all of Steubenville, OH, Rhonda (Bob) Howell of Wintersville, OH, Helayna Merritt and companion Mike Siegel of Bucyrus, OH and Stacey (John) Strawn of Weirton, WV; very special sister-in-law, Rhonda VanFossen of Toronto, OH. many nieces and nephews also survive along with many friends.

Ladd's family wishes to express their thanks to the Tony Teramana Cancer Center of Steubenville and the Hillman Cancer Center of Pittsburgh for their compassionate and loving care of Ladd.

Visitation hours for Ladd will be 2-4 and 6-8 Thursday, March 10th at the Clarke Funeral Home, 302 Main Street, Toronto. Additional visitation 10 -11 Friday at the funeral home

A celebration service of Ladd's life will be held 11 A.M. Friday, March 11th at the funeral home with Pastor Richard Glover officiating.

Interment will follow at the Center Chapel Cemetery

Memorial contributions in memory of Ladd may be sent to the Tony Teramana Cancer Center 3200 Johnson Road, Steubenville, OH 43952