Merel F. Keck

Merel F. Keck, 88 years, of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital and under the care of Promedica Hospice. Born May 25, 1928 in Goin, Tennessee, Merel was the son of the late John H. and Madie B. (Johnson) Keck. The family moved to Monroe in 1942. Merel was a 1946 graduate of Monroe High School. He went on to graduate in 1957 from the University Of Michigan School of Banking and in 1966 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. On September 8, 1951 Merel married his beloved wife, the former Maggie M. Lambert in Monroe. The Rev. E.E. Patterson performed the ceremony. In 1953 Merel began his career at Monroe State Savings Bank as a teller. He worked his way up through the ranks at the bank and became the Chairman of the Board, President and CEO at Monroe Bank & Trust. Merel retired in 1998 after 46 years of service. Merel was a Charter Member of Heritage Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee. He was formerly a 48 year member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized, served as a Trustee, Deacon, Usher, the Sunday School Superintendent and also taught Sunday School. He was 32nd Degree Mason and was a life Member of Masonic Lodge#27 F&AM, Monroe Commandery #19, River Raisin Council #4, Valley of Detroit Shriners, and the Scottish Rite. Merel was very civic minded and served as a member of or past president of many boards in the Monroe area, including: YMCA, March of Dimes, Monroe Industrial Club, Mercy Memorial Hospital, Community Foundation, Masonic Temple Board, Junior Achievement, Polio Board, Michigan Baptist Foundation, State Bank Supervisor's of Michigan, Community Bankers Association of Michigan and Small World Christian Child Care Center. His memberships included: Associate Member of the FOP, M Club, Wolverine Club, NRA, Gideon's, and the Monroe Golf and Country Club. Merel received the following awards: Monroe County Minute Man Award for the State of Michigan and Meritorious Award from the Monroe County Fair Board. He was also listed in the Who's Who in Michigan, America and the Global Who's Who. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling. Most of all Merel loved time spent with family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years: Maggie, two loving children: Merel (Lezli) Keck, Jr. and Debi (Mark) Keck - Nieswender both of Monroe, two cherished grandchildren: Jonathon (Andrea) Keck and Michael Keck both of Monroe, two step grandchildren: Lindsey (Jordan) Lonchyna and Katie Barron and two treasured great grandchildren Gabriella and Jacob Keck. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1 - 8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI, 48161 where a Masonic Service will be held at 6:00 PM that evening. On Wednesday, February 22, 2017 he will lie in state at Heritage Baptist Church, 612 Strasburg Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161 from 10:00 AM until services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Bob Wood, pastor of the church, and the Rev. Larry Head, pastor of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to Heritage Baptist Church or Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

Merel F. Keck

May 25, 1928 - February 17, 2017