Merrit Leon Triggs May 14, 1921 – October 11, 2009
Merritt Leo Triggs, son of John William and Carrie Hutchinson Triggs, was born May 14, 1921 on a farm south of Mount Ayr, known as the Old Ferber farm.
Merritt graduated from Mount Ayr high school. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1946 and was baptized by Rev. Harold Reel. He joined the First Christian Church and has been a faithful member since.
On June 29, 1947, Merritt was united in marriage to Lorene Stafford in the First Christian Church by Rev. Reel. To this union was born one child, a son, Allan Jay Triggs, on October 15, 1950.
Merritt grew up in a fair family as his father was involved in showing at several county fairs as well as the Iowa State Fair. Merritt continued this family tradition and showed at fairs also. He attended his first state fair at the age of four with his parents and never missed as long as they had the fair. He served as secretary, treasurer and manager of the Ringgold County Fair for 24 years. He served on the Iowa State Fair board for 21 years; serving on committees as vice president and three years as president. The fair was his life and joy; second only to his wife and family. Merritt was also a member of the Lions Club in Clearfield, Iowa. Merritt passed away on October 11, 2009 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Allan J., whom he loved and was so proud of, in 1996, and his brother Marvin Triggs.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Lorene Triggs of Mount Ayr, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Triggs Brower of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two wonderful grandsons, Dr. John D. Triggs of Chicago, Illinois and Andrew J. Triggs, a student at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa; honorary sons, Mike and Pete Christina of Omaha, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Alex McPherson of Wheaton, Illinois, and many dear friends.
A memorial fund has been established to the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of his services.
Services were conducted at the First Christian Church, Mount Ayr, on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, with Rev. Chris Conklin and Rev. Doris Kinton officiating. Eulogy of a ‘Fair Man’ was given by Marion Lucas. Musicians were Ginny Eighmy, John Allen and Judy Cunning.
Casket bearers were Dr. John D. Triggs, Andrew J. Triggs, Mike Christina, Pete Christina, Brian Wimer and Donald King.
Honorary pallbearers included Ed Ahrendsen, Gerold Willey, Phil Foltz, Claire Newton, Park Rinehart, Verne King, Steve Oxley, Alex McPherson, Marion Lucas and Norm Klejch.
Merritt was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
