Rex Gilbert Merritt, 90

Rex Gilbert Merritt, age 90 of Polson, passed away in the home he was raised in on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. 

Rex was born to Alvin and Lenore (Jones) Merritt on April 17, 1935, in Polson. His education began at Green Mountain School in Irvine Flats. Once bus service was provided, he continued his education and graduated from Polson High School.

Immediately after graduation, Rex started work as a packer at the Diamond R Ranch at Spotted Bear. He then served two years in the U.S. Army as a medic in Germany. After the Army, he went back to the South Fork for seven years where he continued as a packer.

In 1961, he married Fern Swope, and in 1962, they purchased his parents ranch where they raised their eight children.

When dad wasn’t working, he loved the outdoors and helping out his neighbors. Most of all, he cherished his family. A few of his highlights in the recent years were flying over the Chinese Wall and visiting Spotted Bear one last time.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, his brothers, Joe and Alvin, and his grandson, Justin, and his parents.

He is survived by their eight children, Patti, Bill (Paula), Polly (Jeff), Rose (Steve), Barb, Heather (Duke), Carolyn (Roger) and Michael (Callie); his grandchildren, Jessica, Rachel, Randy, Cody, Ryan, Jordyn, Alex, Bethany, Tiffany, Erin, Codi, Emily, Erin and Robbie; and his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Lilly, Cora, John, Kayne, Kimber, James and Theo.

Rex’s Remembrance will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m., at New Life Christian Church. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. at Murray Memorial Cemetery in Lonepine with full military honors. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.