Joseph “Joe” Kenneth Merritt, age 81, of Hudsonville, was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Joe served for four years in the USAF from 1959-1963. He worked for various companies in the trucking industry for 40 years and retired from the Robinson Cartage Co. Joe was a member of Lee Street Christian Reformed Church for over 50 years where he served as deacon, elder and on the Administration Council. Joe also was a lifelong member of the Safari Club International where he served as president of the Michigan Chapter for one year and the West Michigan Bowhunters Chapter as president for three terms and on the board of directors for twenty-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 45 years, Marie Merritt. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; sister, Patricia (Drew) Klofta; stepsons, Andy (Shanna) Fisher, Ben (Cait) Fisher; grandchildren, Hadleigh and Micah Fisher; honorary children, Randy and Deb VanderKooy; brothers-in- law, Alan (Jan) Battles, Bob Battles, John (Phyllis) Battles, Dick Battles; sisters-in-law, Susie Battles, Mary (Jack) Wieging, Pat Walcott, Lee Vellenga, Marylyn Vellenga, Lori Vellenga. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin Street, Jenison, with Pastor Don Van Slyke and Pastor Kent Rottman officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, December 10, from 2-5 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lee Street Christian Reformed Church.