Aaron Merrell

Aaron James Merrell, 26, passed away on the 4th of July, 2015 in Danville, IL. He is the son of Jenny Lou Vandiver & David Alan Merrell, born on April 26th 1989 in San Diego, CA. Aaron also lived in Idaho and Florida before moving with his family to Danville in 1998. Aaron was a 2008 graduate of Bismarck-Henning High School. He served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps 2nd GSP, earning the rank of Corporal. Aaron followed in the footsteps of his parents and numerous family members. He served two tours in Afghanistan earning the respect and admiration of his combat brothers. Throughout his career as a Marine, he earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. Aaron enjoyed running and was a member of Bismarck's track and cross country teams. He enjoyed working out and going boating with his family where he exceled at hanging on to the tube despite his dad's best efforts to dislodge him. He was artistic and loved making things by hand, especially for his mother. He also enjoyed music, movies, drawing, journaling, reading, & bags. He was well liked and had many friends who looked up to him because he treated everyone with kindness and compassion. Aaron was a loving father & greatest joy was spending time with his daughter, Ashtan Rae Merrell. She survives and lives with her mother, Larissa Cummings, in Danville, Illinois. Aaron is also survived by his parents, Jenny Lou (Dan) Vandiver and David (Teri) Merrell; his siblings; Timothy (Bethany) Merrell, Jacob (Brittney) Vandiver, Kyle (Caitlyn) Merrell, Austin Childress, Hannah Vandiver, Cameron Merrell and Brianna Childress. He is also survived by his two nephews, Mason & Zaiden Merrell; and his grandparents Alan & Carrol Merrell and Darrell & Carolyn Adkins. A time of visitation will be held from 4 pm until 8 pm Thursday, July 9th at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. A service to celebrate Aaron's life will be held at 12:30 pm Friday, July 10th at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at the Danville National Cemetery in Danville, IL with full military honors. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. "Stay classy." - Aaron

Visitation Jul 9, 2015 Thursday, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Jul 10, 2015 Friday, 12:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Final Resting Place Danville National Cemetery 1900 E. Main Street Danville, Illinois 61832