FT. PIERRE, SD – Raymond Vonne Merriman Jr.,63, of Fort Pierre, SD, passed away on September 30, 2025, at Avera McKennan hospital in Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 1st at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre.

Raymond was born on September 16, 1962, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Raymond Sr. and Ruthann (Whiteneck) Merriman.

Being a military kid Ray moved many times growing up. After graduating high school Ray attended and graduated from Sisseton Wahpeton College, where he learned the trades as a skilled sheet metal craftsman.

Ray married the love of his life, Monica Leigh (Novak) Merriman, August 17, 1985 and to this marriage was blessed with three sons; Matthew, Bradley and Joshua.

After years of dedicated service in the heating and cooling industry, he founded Merriman Heating and Cooling, a business he proudly operated with his son Joshua until his health no longer permitted.

Ray’s passion for sports was evident from a young age. He played baseball in his youth and transitioned to softball later in life, where he was a valued teammate on teams like Sue’s Booobs and Culligan’s. Known affectionately as “Ray Machoman Merriman,” his love for motocross riding and racing was unparalleled. He not only embraced the sport himself but also introduced his three sons to the thrill of the race, spending countless weekends at the ORV Arena or cheering on his boys at various competitions.

Ray’s favorite holiday was the 4th of July, and he relished the tradition of setting off fireworks, much to the delight of his family and neighbors. This joyous spirit was a testament to his love for life and his community.

Among his many interests, Ray found great enjoyment in spending time with his grandchildren. He had a unique way of making each one feel special, claiming that they were old enough to “hang out” with him once they could cling to his belt loop. His playful nature extended to his favorite grandkid, which wasn’t a child at all, but a dog named Sadie. Ray often shared with a chuckle how Sadie would escape her yard just to knock on grandpa’s door for a treat.

Ray is survived by devoted wife Monica; their sons; Matthew (Janeth) Merriman, Bradley (Tracy) Merriman, and Josh (Jennifer Arpan) Merriman. His grandchildren, Brianna, Mason, Matthew Jr Merriman; Elayna Arpan, Gabriella, and Ian Merriman; Mason and McKenna Musch. Father and mother-in-law Richard and Lorelee Novak; brothers and sisters in-laws Andrew and Carrie Novak; Matthew Novak and Stefanie Pearlman; Mitchell and Melanie Novak. His nieces and nephews April, Bryant, and Corey Jurgens along with too many great-nieces and nephews to name. He will also be greatly missed by his dog and special companion Rayn.

Predeceased in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Ruth Merriman; his sister, Loree Cohen; and his special grandma, Ruth B. Dier.

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