Odell Merrick, age 78 of Somerset, Kentucky, departed this life on Friday, November 18, 2011 at his residence.

He was born on October 8, 1933 in Wayne County, Kentucky to the late Lunar and Mary Jones Merrick.  He was a Co-Founder and CEO of Cumberland Wood & Chair from 1958 to 1985.  Mr. Merrick was a Co-Owner of Somerset Wood Products from 1985 to present and a Director of Citizens National Bank from 1977 to present.  He was a member of the American Angus Association.  He was a member and Chairman of the Deacons at Oak Hill Baptist church. 

Mr. Merrick is survived by his wife, Nancy Routt Merrick, whom he married on April 5, 1958 in Somerset, KY; a son, Steve (and Kimm) Merrick of Somerset, KY; a daughter, Debbie (and Jeff) Eades of Somerset, KY; four grandchildren, Stephanie Merrick, Cameron Merrick, Brandon Eades and Jarred Eades, all of Somerset, KY; and four sisters, Elva Burton, Elizabeth (and Albert) Burton and Charlotte Wheeldon, all of Somerset and Jewel Jones of Watseka, Illinois. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Delno Merrick, Lunar Merrick, Jr., Harold Merrick and Garvel Merrick; and three sisters, Ruth Daulton, Opal Tarter and Edith Pierce.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 20, 2011 after 5:00 pm at Oak Hill Baptist Church, Somerset, KY.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Oak Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Harold Brown and Rev. Gary Phelps officiating.  Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery. 

The family request expressions of sympathy be made to The Manna Mission Fund of Oak Hill Baptist Church and/or Somerset Christian School.