William Francis Merrigan
William Francis Merrigan
William Francis “Bill” Merrigan, 96, Maryville, MO, died Saturday, October
31, 2015, at Golden Living Community, Maryville.
Bill was born October 11, 1919, in Clyde, Missouri to John Edward and Nellie
(Brady) Merrigan.
He was a 1937 graduate of Conception, Missouri High School. Bill and
Cathaleen Crooks were married October 1, 1949, in Kansas City, MO.
Bill enlisted in the US Air Corps October 22, 1940, in Ft. Crook, NE,
entered cadet training November, 1942, and graduated as Pilot Class 42-F, at
Victorville, CA June, 1942. He was assigned to the 81st Fighter Group,
Muroc, CA and flew P-38’s and P-39’s. He went to England and to North
Africa with this group and particiapted in the North African Campaign and
Sicilian Campaign. He returned to the States as a P-38 instructor until
1944 when he transferred to Air Transport Command and flew the Pacific in
C-54’s, until leaving the service in June, 1945, as a Captain.
He joined TWA July 12, 1945, as a first officer. He checked out as Captain
in June 1948. He served continuously as a TWA Fligh Crew member until
retirement November 1, 1989. He served on numerous committees, association
boards and chairmanships with Pilot’s Associations.
His memberships include St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville,
Tri-C American Legion Post #464, Conception Jct., and Elk’s Club, Maryville.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Cathaleen Merrigan (April 4,
1993); brothers: Johnny, Joe and Jim Merrigan and sisters: Pat Seipel and
Nora Addams.
Bill is survived by sons: Pat Merrigan, Maryville; Tom Merrigan; William F.
Merrigan Jr., Costa Rica and daughters: Peggy Merrigan, Boulder, CO and Kate
Merrigan, San Francisco, CA.
Parish Prayer Service is 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 3rd, Price Funeral
Home, Maryville.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 4th, St. Gregory
Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville, with burial in St Columba Cemetery,
Conception.
Military Services at graveside will be provided by Tri-C American Legion
Post #464 and Missouri Military Honors..
