Ronnie Carroll Merriken

August 25, 1953 – June 28, 2024

Ronnie C. Merriken was born on August 25, 1953, to the late Richard and Mary Merriken.  Ron was one of four boys and certainly gave his parents a run for their money.  He was a lifelong resident of Reisterstown, Maryland, where he served as a volunteer firefighter at Glyndon Volunteer Fire Department.  As a kid Ron enjoyed spending time at the family’s home in Tolchester, MD and would later be married on that property.  Ron found his passion in repairing large diesel equipment at ABC Rental and Sunbelt Rental.  There has never been a backhoe he couldn’t fix.  Whenever a piece of equipment stumped another mechanic, it was handed off to Ron, and yes, he fixed it.  Ron was also a welder and could fabricate whatever the rental company needed, and was excited to help Jackson through welding training, passing down his knowledge.  He was an amateur golfer, was a member of Piney Branch Country Club, pre-kids, and traveled around the country to different courses.  He was an avid Nascar fan, and no one could talk bad about Jeff Gordon when Ron was present.  He attended many Daytona 500’s and went to Dover, Talladega, and Watkins Glenn to watch the races live.  Ron was a proud Eagle Scout, having been to Philmont 3 times, and participated in scouts with Jeremy throughout his quest for Eagle.  He enjoyed camping with family and friends when the kids were young, most notably Halloween, Memorial Day and 4th of July Camping.  He also enjoyed playing dominos with his family and at the Reisterstown Senior Center in his later years.  

Ron was preceded in death by brother Russell Merriken.

He is survived by two sons Jackson Merriken and Jeremy Houck-Tennant, along with ex-wife Kimberly Houck.  He is also survived by two brothers Richard Merriken Jr and his wife Gloria, and Randall Merriken and his wife Gail; nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.  

Services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:30am at St. Luke Evangelica Lutheran Church at 7001 Harford Road.  The service will be followed by a reception.  The family wants you to come casually dressed, anything Nascar or golf related would be appreciated in his honor.  There will be crabs, BBQ, sweets, dominos, and yard games.  Ron enjoyed hosting backyard parties.

In leu of flowers please make a donation to: St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in his memory.  Donations can be mailed to St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7001 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21234.