Billy Joe Merritt, age 63, of English, IN passed away at his home on May 28, 2016.
Billy was born to the late Robert Wm. Merritt and the late Fay Marie (Sherron) Merritt on June 22, 1952 in Crawford County, IN.
Billy is survived by his wife Arline (Meyer) Merritt, son Daniel (Beth) Merritt of Eckerty, IN.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Holly Kaufer of Birdseye, Daniel Lamkin of Paoli, Kayla Coblentz of English, Keesha Merritt of French Lick, Brittany Merritt of Bloomfield, Hannah Merritt of Eckerty and Emily Merritt of Eckerty, 3 great grandchildren, sisters Rose McKim of Paoli, Linda Monyhan of English, Pam Pridemore of English and Debbie Bean of English, aunt Betty Colvin of Utica, uncle Leo (Duke) Sherron of Paoli and several nieces and nephews.
Billy was a very active member of the Indiana Blacksmith Association and was the Forgemaster of The Southern Indiana Meteorite Mashers. He started blacksmithing in 1976 and focused on Damascus steel. He was considered the King of Junk Yard Damascus because he used all recycled tool steel from old files, leaf springs, banding, saw blades and chains. Billy was also the first person to demonstrate how to produce a knife from a meteorite. He took flight lessons to fly airplanes and Gyrocopters.
Visitation will Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Denbo Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 1:00 pm with visitation from 10:00 am until service time at 1:00 pm. John Bye will officiate the funeral service with burial to follow at Bethany Union Cemetery, Eckerty, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Denbo Funeral Home to offset funeral expenses.