Our beloved son Garrett Kegan Merrill passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 4, 2026,as a result of a tragic auto accident. Garrett entered our lives on February 4, 2003, in Macon MO to his proud parents Shannon Merrill and Dusti Deke Brammer. From his first breath, Garrett brought joy to all who came to know him. With a sly smile and cherished laugh, he would jump into help whenever there was a need. Whether it was mowing, moving, roofing, helping his grandparents or siblings, Garrett was always a phone call away. Even coming to the aid of a sibling after she tipped over the side by side at the farm, so their parents wouldn’t know. Without hesitation, Garrett to the rescue!! With a passion for country music including HankJr., Waylon and Merle, Garrett learned how to pick a few tunes on his guitar (git fiddle). His love for classics carried over with his love for working on anything with a motor. He was a curator of historical vehicles and forgotten treasures. Though his time on earth was short, Garrett lived life to the fullest. As described by a former teacher as having an easy to love personality and an obvious hatred for school. With the patience and support of his Dad, stepmom, many loving teachers and the principal at Sweet Springs High School, Mr. Hume, Garrett graduated from Sweet Springs High School in 2021. After graduation and to the surprise of many, Garrett went to State Fair Community College and took several Ag classes. Garrett looked up to his dad, Shannon…and his dad is who helped make him into the man we all grew to love. Shannon taught him how to work with his hands and gave him the love of fixing anythingand everything. Anytime Garrett needed to know how to fix something, his dad was the first call. Shannon taught Garrett how to hunt. Although Garrett talked and moved too much and was more worried about the snacks, deer hunting together was a memory that will never be forgotten. Garretts life was touched by so many. Being with the love of his life Rachel for the past 5 years was one of his biggest blessings. He was over the moon to be a father to their child and excited to tell everyone! He was a father, son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend. He also loved being a dog dad to Goose, Maverick and Zoey. Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we are comforted in the fact that his zest for life will live on in the families he blessed as a donor. Always a helper, forever a hero. Garrett is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, his Pop and his sweet infant baby, Charlotte Danielle Merrill. The family will hold a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Mattingly Building, 323 S. Miller St. Sweet Springs, Missouri 65351. The family suggest memorials to family choice and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
