Reginald "Reg" Howard Merrill Jr.

Reginald Howard Merrill Jr, 75 was born in Hartford Connecticut on December 14th, 1944, to Reginald and Daisy Merrill. He was raised in Brewer Maine and graduated from Brewer High School in 1963. He was a member of the all state chorus and Boy’s Nation. Reg attended the University of Maine, earning a degree in Religion and Philosophy. He enter seminary in 1967 at Boston University and became a fully ordained member of the Iowa United Methodist Church. He married Karen Huff on August 24th, 1969. Together they were the first clergy couple in the state of Iowa. He served congregations throughout the state of Iowa. Reg’s first appointment was to Faith Parish with churches in Farragut, Summit, Riverton and Locus Grove 1971-1977. Next, he served at North English, South English and Millersburg UMC’s 1977-1981. Reg was appointed the associate pastor at Mt. Pleasant UMC in 1981. He served as pastor at Nashua UMC and Republic Community Church from 1984-1992, Prairie City and Pleasant Hill UMC’s from 1992-2000; in Des Moines at Epworth UMC 2000-2005. Reg retired from Our Savior United Methodist church in Manson and Pomeroy in 2010. After retiring he moved to Minneapolis, Mn. There he joined the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus and was an active member of All God’s Children Church. In these two groups he found a loving and supportive community of new friends and family. Reg enjoyed many hobbies. He loved photography, going to movies, attending all his daughters’ school and sporting events and cheering on this favorite base ball teams: the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Reg had a wonderful singing voice and was a member of church and community choirs throughout his life. Spending time with family and friends: talking, laughing and just sharing stories was his favorite pastime. He loved to travel. He especially enjoyed trips to Sri Lanka, Europe and the Holy Land. He was a strong democrat and volunteered many hours to services and projects he was passionate about. He had a deep and abiding faith and was an active member of his church. Reg took the bible seriously, but not literally. He is survived by his daughters Beth Miner (Brett), and Debbie Merrill, and grandchildren Wayne and Carrie Miners, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Reg and Daisy Merrill, his sisters Barbra and Joan Lane, and Cousin Mike Gellerson. Due to the climate of the pandemic, we are not having a service. If you would like to honor Reg’s life please sent donations the American Heart Association.