Dayton Merritt

Dayton Merritt, 101, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Baptist Health Hospital.

He was born on May 2,1924 in Liberty, Kentucky to the late Ora and Fannie (McAninch) Merritt. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Electia Magdalene "Maggie" Merritt, three sisters, Maeleen Lawless, Fayrene Terry, infant sister, Ileen Merritt and nephew, Michael Lawless.

Dayton entered the Navy and served on the USS Bradford (DD-545) during World War II and fought in three invasions. He was honorably discharged. After the war he worked for the government teaching farm training.

Dayton went to Western Kentucky University. He had one class remaining that was not being offered at WKU that semester, so he finished his bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Kentucky.

Dayton and Magdalene moved to Louisville in 1953, where he worked as a Meat Supervisor at Fishers Packing Company and Klarer Packing Company which changed names to Southern Star and Armor. Dayton then became a distributor for Harper Country Hams and delivered hams to Louisville and surrounding areas to grocery stores and liquor stores. He became known as "The Ham Man" from 1971 until he retired in 1987.

He was an active member of Southeast Christian Church, was a member of the Acts II Bible Study, a church usher, and volunteered to help clean the church for many years.

Dayton is survived by his loving daughter, Susan Merritt, niece, Glynda Short, great nephews, DeWayne Short and Daniel Short, and a host of beloved other family members and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243) with entombment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

The family requests that contributions in Dayton’s memory be made to Wounded Warriors Project, Homes for Our Troops and/or Make A Wish Foundation.

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