Kenneth C. Merrill

Kenneth C. Merrill, age 82, former Ford Motor Company Executive, passed away January 22, 2013, following a long illness. Ken Merrill was born on February 20, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, where he lived until he went to Cornell University in 1948. There, he was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity, sang with the men’s glee club, and was a founder of the Cayuga Waiters Men’s Choral Group, which exists today. Ken graduated with a degree in economics in 1953, and then served two years in the United States Army, leaving as a Lieutenant. While stationed at 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago, he met his wife, Helen, and they were married on June 10, 1956. Also in 1956, Ken completed work on his MBA at Indiana University. His 35-year career at Ford began in August 1956, at World Headquarters, where he began as an analyst and was President of Ford Motor Credit Company when he retired in 1991. He held various positions in Finance, including Controller of North American Automotive Operations, and Executive Director of Strategic Planning, Merger and Acquisitions. Giving back to the community was important, and over the years Ken supported a variety of organizations – one being Schoolcraft College, where he was President and Treasurer of the Schoolcraft Foundation. He and Helen established a scholarship fund for students. Ken had a deep commitment to Crossroads of Michigan in Detroit, where he was a volunteer counselor to walk-in clients for 16 years. He served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees, was Treasurer, and coordinated capital fundraising for new facilities. Crossroads recognized his contributions and gave him an Honorary Award. Ken was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth, where he served on the vestry, was treasurer for fundraising activities, and sang in the choir for 45 years. Being an avid golfer, Ken was a member of Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor, and The Oaks in Sarasota, Florida, where he won multiple championships over a period of 30 years. Upon retirement, time was spent in Charlevoix, and Siesta Key, Florida. Mr. Merrill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen; his son, Barry, and his wife, Gale, of Grosse Pointe Farms, and their children, Susan, Michael, and Chelsea; his son, John, of Royal Oak; and his daughter, Diane McNulty, and her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Helen Claire, of Holland, MI. Mr. Merrill is also survived by his brother, Dan, and his sisters, Cynthia Tamny, and Martha Pickrell. Visitation at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth, Friday 4-7pm. Funeral Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 574 S. Sheldon Road, Plymouth, Saturday 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center – Dr. Mark Kaminski Research Fund. Checks may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. You may also call 734-998-6893. Donations may also be made to Crossroads of Michigan, 2424 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48208.