Arnold B. Merrell

Arnold Belden Merrell, 86, Lakewood, Colorado passed Friday, September 22, 2023.

Arnie was born 7/4/1937 to Fred and Ruth Merrell in Waukegan IL. He lived many places growing up including Waukegan, IL, New York, DesMoines, IA and Lagrange Park, IL. He attended Carroll College, Waukesha, WI where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity before transferring to Drake University, DesMoines, IA, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Marketing in 1959. He married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Mackey on June 4, 1960. This would lead to a seventy year adventure (1953-2023) for the two of them.

In 1964 he joined Farmers Insurance Group in the North Aurora, IL, Regional Office. He transferred to Colorado Springs, CO, then to the Home Office in Los Angeles, CA, where he was Vice President of National Accounts. In 1987 he moved to Phoenix, AZ, as Vice President to the Phoenix Regional Office. His last assignment was as Vice President of the Southern California Regional office in Carlsbad, CA. He retired in 1997 after 33+ years with the Farmers Group of Companies.

In 2003 Arnie and Marilyn moved to Westminster, CO, to be near their daughter Susan and her family. In 2021 they made their 11th and last move to The Ridge Pinehurst in Lakewood, CO.

Arnie was known for his infectious laugh, great smile, his sense of humor and he could always find the positive in any situation. Family always came first! He traveled to 6 of the 7 continents, enjoyed golf, fishing in Canada, read 2 daily papers, loved a good novel and his drink at the end of the day.

His surviving family includes his wife of 63 years Marilyn, daughter Susan Sweeney (Chris), grandsons Geoff (Amelia), Brian (Niki). Sisters Nancy Ashbaugh, Barbara Kay (Gordon), Jean Haak (Art).

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents and his son, David.

On November 4, 2023, there will be a memorial service at Horan & McConaty, 80th & Wadsworth, Arvada, CO, at 10:00 A.M. Reception to follow service.