Clint Merida of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 5, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born in Barbourville, Kentucky, on January 4, 1941, to the late Matt and Cleo (née Broughton) Merida.

Clint was the beloved husband of 59 years to Brenda (nee Doolin) Merida; loving father of Kathy Jackson and Keisha (Chris) Leonard; devoted grandfather to Shawn (Tracey) Jackson, Matt (Andrea) Jackson, Logan McGill, Dylan McGill, and Trinity Leonard; and proud great-grandfather of Levi, Lucas, and Eli Jackson. He was the dear brother of Clyde (Bonnie) Merida, Leamon (the late Faye) Merida, and Erma Hutton, and the brother-in-law of Minnie Merida.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Edith (Charles) Merida, Elbert Merida, Carl “Bufford” (Isabel) Merida, Glen Merida, Jim Merida, Alonzo “Lonnie” Merida, Betty Jean Merida, and Nora Merida.

Clint lived a full life. He was born and raised in the coal-mining town of Barbourville, Kentucky, where he met Brenda, the love of his life. They married in 1965 and moved to Ohio to begin their life together.

He worked on the assembly line at General Motors until his retirement, and settled into the life he loved most—farming in Hillsboro, Ohio. The farm became the place where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes: hunting, fishing, raising cattle, and tending to all things farm-related.

Clint lived his life for the Lord, preaching and leading congregations as a pastor for several years. The testimony he leaves behind is that of a kind, generous, witty, and loving man—with a touch of ornery.

He was a once-in-a-lifetime soul and a true blessing to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 1668 St. Rt. 28, Goshen, on Wednesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 11am, with Pastor Steven Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Goshen Cemetery in Goshen, OH.