Maynard Henry “Hank” Merrick, 65, of Butte, died Monday June 16, 2025. A Family celebration will be at a later date. Burial will be in the Point of Rocks Cemetery in Twin Bridges, Mt.
Hank was born in Butte, December 23, 1959. He attended Whittier school, East Jr High and Butte High school. At Butte High, Hank was in Gymnastics, Vice President of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), participated in the Drama club building stage sets and lighting for productions. Hank figure skated with his sister in the Butte Figure Skating Club for 12 years. He was valued for his creative skills to set up staging, lighting and music. Hank loved fishing trips, good music and loved to dance. He enjoyed restoring old cars. He cherished all his animals and lifetime friendships.
In 1985, he joined the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He worked for several of the major elevator companies throughout the Pacific Northwest, California and Alaska. Hank also was a heavy equipment mechanic for local and regional companies.
Hank was preceded in death by both parents; Henry A Merrick & Therlean Nyhart Merrick and a brother Mitchell A Merrick. Hank is survived by his wife Kristine Fairchild Merrick, daughter Morgan Joy Merrick, sister Melanie & Jud Keiser of Liberty Lake, WA., and Aunt Lela Nyhart-Guinard of Joliet, MT.; and numerous cousins and family members throughout Montana.
Visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Hank. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Hank and his family.
Kathy Mellen says
Melanie and Merrick Family, sorry to hear about Hank may he rest in peace. We’re sure you have wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Kathy Merrick Mellen and Family
William Navarro says
Chris and Morgan so sorry for your loss.
Natalie says
Kris and Morgan we are so sorry for your loss he will be looking
over you and keeping you safe. We love you
LOVE, David and Natalie
Anita Linder says
Miss you man! THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE YA! Anita
Carla (miller) Zugel says
So sorry Kris!! Sending you and your daughter much love and comforting prayers.
Pamela Bambula says
Will always remember your smile and a great Country dancer. Not to mention a good long time friend. Will miss the talks we had. Rest in peace. Kris and Morgan, sorry for your loss. Hank will be watching over both of you. God bless you and keep you safe.
Heather Preston says
So sorry Kris and Morgan!
Joe Melvin says
Hank was a great guy. It was a honor to know him. God bless him.
With deepest sympathy,
Joe Melvin
Aka Shifty
Colleen M Indreland says
Kris, Morgan and family,
Trent and I are so sad with the passing of Hank. I have loads of memories growing up with him and Melanie. I remember working in their family sandwich shop and all the get togethers our family’s had. More recently has been our marathon phone calls since our reunion – it was so good to be back in touch!
Kris, please reach out if there is anything we can do for you in the trying time.
Our love and sympathy,
Colleen & Trent
John Willard says
He was an empathetic gentleman
Christina Howard says
So very sorry he was a great guy. Chris you are in my thoughts and prays
Bets Johnson says
So sorry Kris and Morgan. It was a hard thing for you to live through.
Joe Williams says
Hank was a firecracker! You knew the minute he entered a room; the energy level immediately picked up. I remember telling him in high school that he had one gear: 5th. No neutral, no reverse. I so admired that about him. I ran into him years later and asked about his elevator work. His reply: “It has its up and downs, but generally it’s given me a real lift”. That was Hank. God bless his memory.