Dakota S. Merritt

Dakota Scott Merritt, age 19, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.  Dakota attended Wayne Trace High School and then graduated from Delphos high School and Vantage Career Center.  After graduating, he pursued his career as a millwright welder for Moore Welding in Leo, Indiana.  Dakota’s dedication and skill were highly regarded by his coworkers.

When not working, Dakota enjoyed paint-ball guns, working on cars and motorcycles.  Fishing was another favorite pastime of his, providing him with a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.  Dakota cherished spending time with his loved ones, valuing the bonds he shared with friends and family.

Dakota was born on December 4, 2003 in Brandon, Florida, the son of Dana Treesh.

He is survived by his mother; brother, Brian (Rachal Herman) Merritt, Jr. and sister, Mardeena (John Marshall) Merritt; nieces and nephew, Rylan, Laynie, Adeline and Aurora; grandmother, Heidi Treesh, grandfather, Ronald Treesh, Sr.; uncles, Ronald (Tina) Treesh, Jr. and Shawn (Vanessa) Treesh; great aunt, Suzy Hensley; great uncles, Scott (Christy) Merrifield and Tim (Jackie) Merrifield and great-great uncle, Dick Merrifield.  He was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Vernon Merrifield; great grandmother, Mary Jo Gahagan and an uncle, Dane Treesh.

Dakota will be deeply missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

A private ceremony to honor and celebrate Dakota’s life will be held at a later date.

Krill Funeral Service 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to a Go Fund Me in Dakota’s honor at https://gofund.me/4cac303c