Emmett Julius Shaw Merrill

Emmett Julius Shaw Merrill was born January 12,1944 in Louisville Kentucky to the Late Junella Lewis Masden, passed away on September 27, 2018. He grew up and attended school in New Albany, Indiana. Emmett married the love of his life Evonne Myles on August 4, 1984. They were married 34 years this past August 4, 2018. He loved Notre dame Football, and any type of history. He was known for having the "fastest belt in the west". He was a licensed and ordained at the New Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN on August 2, 1992, where he served until relocating to Alamogordo, New Mexico. While at New Baptist he taught Sunday School and New members class and occasionally Bible Study at the New Baptist Church. He also taught various biblical classes within the Union District in Indianapolis Indiana. He was a member of New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico, while there he taught Tithing and Sunday School until his death. He loved the word and anytime you asked him anything about the word he would talk to you for hours. Emmett was in the United States Air Force for 23 years 6 months and 9 days. He retired from the Air Force in July 1986 with full honors. He retired from the Defense Finance Accounting Service in Indianapolis, IN in May 2015. He is survived by his wife, Evonne, daughters, Leona Johnson (Willie), Keyrun Merrill, Toiyae Ritzberg (Raphael), and son Solomon Merrill (Tammy) and adopted son James Madaris. Grandchildren Ashley, Andre, Aaron, Imara, Dannyelle, Asia, Isaiah, Arik, Isaac, Kyle, Lindsay, Javon, Javae and Ava. Great-grandchildren, Zion, Amir and Freya. Sister Audrey Davis (Bing), brother Mark Masden. His special trooper Joyce Carter and a host of nieces, nephews and numerous family and friends. Emmett is preceded in death by his parents Junella Masden and John Masden. His son Grady Merrill and daughter Debbielynn Merrill-Dunn. A public viewing will be held at 10 am Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Corinth Baptist Church, 402 4th St, Alamogordo, NM 88310, with service to begin at 11am, with burial to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas. Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.GetzCares.com to sign the local online guest book.