Merrill A. Straham

Merrill A. Straham, age 65, of Adrian, MI, passed away, June 2, 2020.  He was born January 20, 1955, in Flint, MI, the son of McKinley Straham and Ora (McGee) Nelson.  He was a graduate of Albion High School and Jackson Community College. Merrill was raised by his grandparents, the late Clara Mcgee and Fred Mcgee who gave him the childhood nickname of Peasly by which he was known for multiple of years by peers, family, friends, and communities in which he lived. Merrill was a brilliant minded man who was good with his hands and a very mechanical individual who could fix anything you possibly could think of. He was kind and loving with an infectious laugh that warmed the hearts of many. He loved the water and loved to fish and was a Chef in the kitchen in his own right. Merrill was a man of many, many, talents who gave himself to the Lord 20 years ago. He loved music especially jazz and Chaka Khan. He was a phenomenal person who will be truly missed.  He is survived by his wife, Dianne Straham, mother, Ora Nelson, his children, Melinda Barrett, Yatasha Straham, Mario Straham, Chastity (Edward) Charameda, Lizzie Martinez, Jimmy Smith, Laurie (David) Holyfield and Bobby Owens and Rachel Owens, twenty-two grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, seven siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, McKinley Straham, two brothers, Mckinley Straham III and Ricky Nelson. Memorial Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2020 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home.

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