Don William Merritt

Don William Merritt, Col., USAF (Ret.), 75, a resident of The Villages, Florida, passed away on December 27, 2025, in Leesburg, Florida, after a courageous four-year battle with lymphoma. Born on March 10, 1950, in Alliance, Nebraska, Don lived a life defined by service, adventure, and devotion to family and friends.

Don graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1968 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving two years in Vietnam. For his valor, he was awarded the Bronze Star with combat distinction and the Navy Commendation Medal. Following his military service, Don earned his degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1972. He married his first wife, Mary, and completed pilot training at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia in May 1975, where his son Michael was born.

Don’s distinguished career in the United States Air Force took him across the globe and presented extraordinary challenges—including piloting the top-secret U 2 reconnaissance aircraft. Prior to moving to RAF Alconbury in England, he married his second wife, Chris, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After 23 years in the Air Force, Don retired at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona and transitioned to commercial aviation, flying for Northwest Airlines, later Delta Air Lines. Based in Detroit, Honolulu, and Minneapolis, he made his home in Hudson, Wisconsin, for more than a decade, where he met his longtime friend, Mitzi. After a long and accomplished career with Delta, he retired and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was fortunate to find a neighborhood of friends who became like family.

A generous supporter of charities serving veterans and his son’s cancer charity, Don gave freely of his time and resources to causes close to his heart. He shared countless happy hour moments with family and friends, pursuing his passion for golf on courses around the world. He also picked up cycling with his son and North Carolina neighbors, enjoying many events and rides throughout Brunswick Forest.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Arlene Merritt, and his brother Jerry Merritt (Kathy). He is survived by his son, Michael Merritt of Bentonville, Arkansas; sister in law Kathy and her son, David; stepson Joe Herger (Gina and their two children); sisters Kathryn (daughter Raven) and Jan (daughters Amber and Chelsea, son Skye); dear friend Mitzi; and many extended family members and cherished friends.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Friday, June 5 at 11 a.m. at the Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, NE 68138, followed by a “Happy Hour” lunch at Jukes Ale Works, 20560 Elkhorn Dr, Elkhorn, NE.