Le Roy P. Merritt, 88, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 in Park Strathmoor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. Born August 13, 1920 in La Verne, MN; the son of Peter A. and Alice E. (Leach) Merritt. He was married to Caroline M. Koch in Belvidere, IL on June 16, 1946. He was employed as a tool grinder and instructor for Woodward Governor for 22 years retiring in 1983. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church; Model Railroad Club and Life member of the VFW. He enjoyed dancing, model railroading and building electronics. He was a graduate of Oregon High School. LeRoy is apparently survived by family members whose addresses are unknown. They are: daughter Christine Vowles; two grandchildren, Michael Vowles and Kevin Allmen; a sister, Lillian Black, Oregon, IL. Le Roy was preceded in death by parents, his wife, a son in infancy, his brother, James Merritt and sister, Elizabeth Merritt.