Howard Lee "Shorty" Merritt, 75 of Greensburg, passed away at 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at his residence. He was born on August 2, 1943 in Decatur County, the son of Denzil & Alice (Wilson) Merritt. He has been a lifelong resident of Decatur and Jennings Counties. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a US Army veteran having served during the Vietnam Era. Survivors include his daughter, Donna (Uriah) Coy of Greensburg; sons, Paul Joe (Lisa) Sweezey of Oldenburg, Denzil Lee (Christy) Merritt, Chris Merritt and Robert Merritt all of Greensburg; brothers in heart; Dave White and Steve Garrett both of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, biological mother, Marjorie Dyer and sister, Patty Wilson. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home with Mark Vice officiating. Burial will be at the Rodney Baptist Cemetery with Military graveside rites. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday from noon until service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana through the funeral home.