Merrill Richard Waugh

Merrill Richard Waugh, 80, of Crown City, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residence.

He was born on November 28, 1945 in Gallia County, Ohio, son of the late Amel Edgar Waugh and Lyla Beatrice Beaver Waugh. In addition to his parents, Merrill was preceded in death by his brothers, John Lee Waugh, Harlan "Bub" Waugh, Gene Waugh, Amel Waugh, and Bill Waugh; sisters, Inez McGuire, Mary Lou Curry, Connie Johnson, and Karen Brownell; brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson, Billy Johnson, and Hollis Mooney; and sisters-in-law, Verbie Waugh, Emma Jean Waugh, and Rosalie Waugh.

Merrill retired on January 17, 2008 as a telephone lineman from Verizon after many years of dedicated service. He was also a life-long farmer who took pride in working the land and caring for his home. Merrill found his greatest happiness in the simple moments of life, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren. Whether it was sharing stories, laughing, or just being together, those moments meant the world to him. He attended Victory Baptist Church.

Merrill is survived by his loving wife, Della May Waugh of Crown City, whom he married on April 2, 1965 and with whom he had nearly 61 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Robert (Lori) Waugh of Jackson, Ohio, Rich (Mark) Waugh of Port Richey, Florida, and Rebecca (John) Ellis of Crown City; grandchildren, Robbie Waugh, Robyn (Josh) Venoy, Rachel Ellis, Levi (Alyssa) Ellis, Eli (Breanna) Ellis, Kara (Andy) Duty, Brandon Coburn, Trent Colburn, and Tristian Coburn; great-grandchildren, Riley Waugh, Perry Venoy, Lincoln Ellis, Hazel Ellis, Magnolia Ellis, Holland Ellis, Oliver Ellis, Caylee Coen, Harper Coen, Easton Coen, Mayzlee Duty, Avalee Duty, Berklee Duty, Carson Vipperman, Waylon Vipperman, Scottlyn Ellis, and Austin Coburn; sisters, Bea Johnson and Fern Mooney; sister-in-law, Judy Waugh; brother-in-law, Jimmy Dale McGuire; and several nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The funeral service for Merrill will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Beau Miller officiating. His burial will follow in Kings Chapel Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home prior to service on Friday from 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Levi Ellis, Eli Ellis, Robert Waugh, Rich Waugh, Andy Duty, and Robbie Waugh; honorary pallbearers will be his nephews.