Services
Obituary
Thomas James Merriam (1952-2025), a proud Iowan with a passion for football, farming, and fast cars, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Whether racing down a dirt track or helping a neighbor harvest, Tom lived with grit, heart, and a grin that made everyone feel like a friend.
Thomas James Merriam, 72, of Britt, Iowa, entered the gates of our heavenly Father on June 13, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Merriam will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street Southeast, in Britt, with Father Andrew Marr officiating.
Visitation for Tom will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street, in Britt, and will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday.
Tom was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1952 to Wilbur “Tiny” and Virginia Merriam, whom Tom loved dearly. Some of his most incredible memories were working on his family farm with his five sisters, whom he called “his girls,” and participating in sports throughout high school.
Tom attended Corwith-Wesley before studying Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and working for Wilbur at his fertilizer company, Merriam’s Farmacy. He then worked for Kabrick Distributing for 25+ years and eventually retired from Gold-Eagle Cooperative in Corwith in 2020.
He met the love of his life, Colleen Merriam, in 1994 in Eagle Grove, where Tom charmingly "tried” to sell Budweiser to Colleen, the then manager of the Casey’s General Store. He stopped in often (people started to talk), and over time, those visits turned into something lasting and full of love. Excited to begin their new lives together, the two were married in 1996 in Garner, Iowa. Tom and Colleen celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on June 1st.
Tom was a proud parent, dad to Angela, Nicole, and JT, and stepdad to Caroline and Katie. Though he loved his morning coffee, farming, fishing, and cooking up large family meals, his favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured the time spent attending sports games and hugs with his grandchildren.
While a tall, strong, and proud man, Tom was a big softy. He had a heart for his furry friends, treating each one like a family member (and feeding them a little too much people food).
Tom enjoyed his visits to the Lake of the Ozarks and his memories with his best friend and brother-in-law, Mike “Toad”Schiltz. In his early days, behind the wheel of car number 71, Tom was passionate about racing, backed by his trusted pit crew—Bob Cramer and Bruce Eckerman, who were as much a part of the team as the engine itself.
He will always be remembered for his warm heart and the impact he made on countless people in his life. No one was a stranger to Tom Merriam, and if you ever needed a hand, Tom was only a phone call away.
Tom is preceded in death by Virginia Merriam, Wilbur Merriam, and Marlene Merriam. He is survived by his wife, Colleen Merriam, children, Angela Parcel of Minnesota, Nicole Merriam of Mason City, James “JT” (Jaime) Merriam of Britt, Katie (Ryan) O’Dell of Oklahoma, and Caroline (Paul) Newby of Joice. 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Kathy (Bruce) Eckerman of Cedar Rapids, Kristine Cramer of Pennsylvania, Mari Rae (the late Mike) Schiltz of Missouri, Connie (Gary) Adams of Algona, Paulette (Don) Barry of Missouri, Cary (Cathy) Brown of Woden, Rhonda (Ken) Umthun of Eagle Grove, numerous nieces and nephews, and his special doggie companions Rocket and Rosie.
The family wishes to thank the countless thoughts and prayers given and the Ewing Funeral Home for their compassionate care and support during this time.
With love and gratitude, Colleen wishes to share what an honor and privilege it was to care for Tom over these past three years. Even as dementia took its toll, his kindness, humor, and spirit never faded.