Craig Merryman

Craig Steven Merryman, age 76, of Jenison, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2026. He was born April 17, 1949, in Grand Rapids, MI to Grant and Maxine Merryman. Craig served in the Army during the Viet Nam War, earning the National Defense service medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign medal, and the bronze star. After serving time in the Army, he was employed at H.H. Cutler in Grand Rapids for 27 years before spending 17 years at Johnson Controls in Holland. Craig was a believer in Jesus Christ and served the Lord faithfully for over 50 years at Jenison Bible Church, serving as church treasurer, singing in the choir, song leader, elder, deacon, Awana leader, and heading up the Senior Saints group. Craig loved camping, sports, cruises, traveling, and taking walks. He also loved reading through the Bible, going to church, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a humble man with a great sense of humor who always had a smile and loved helping others. 

Craig will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen G. Merryman; children, Matthew C. and Melissa Merryman, Jason A. and Lisa Merryman; nine grandchildren who he loved dearly: Cuyler, Koen, Cason, Kolter, Eliana, Elise, Makayla, Madelyn, and Dominic Merryman; siblings, Susan Zeller, Rick Merryman, Cathy and Jim Zwarensteyn, Mark and Christine Merryman, Laurie and Doug Wilber, and Max Merryman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom and Becky Waid, Marvin and Connie Waid, April Burgess, Andrew and Mary Waid; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Maxine Merryman; in-laws, Delbert and Betty Waid; sisters-in-law, Esther Waid, and Linda Waid; and brother-in-law, John Zeller. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Jenison Bible Church, 6360 14th Ave., Hudsonville, 49426 with Pastor Steven Washburn officiating. Burial will take place at Blythefield Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10-11 am at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Jenison Bible Church in Craig’s honor. The family would like to say a special thanks to Great Lakes Home Care nurse, Barb Talsma, and Faith Hospice nurses, Kathy Babcock and Rachel Gilleo.