Autobiography of Eldon Merritt

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Eldon Merritt, his wife Dot, and his son Jeff

 

Eldon in 1976

 

Samson Chief of Police, Eldon Merritt

     Eldon Lee Merritt was born June 18th, 1937, to John S. and Mattie Lee Roberson Merritt. He was the fourth son of nine children.   A 1958 graduate of Samson, Alabama High School, Eldon delayed his graduation by three years while he chased girls and played football.
     After graduation Eldon was appointed as a police officer with the City of Samson, Alabama.  He then joined the U.S. Army Active Reserve, and was sent to Fort Jackson,  South Carolina and Fort Leonardwood, Missouri for basic and combat engineer training.
     Upon returning to Samson to resume his police duties, Eldon Married Alice Faye (Dot) Gatlin on May 22nd, 1960. the couple remained in Samson until the birth of their son Jeffery Lee Merritt on September 8th, 1961.
     Hardly a month had passed until Eldon was once again called to active duty with the Alabama National Guard and assigned to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas where he remained for one year before returning to the Samson Police Department.
     1962 found the Merritt family moving once again as Eldon was appointed to the position of police officer  for the City of Ozark, Alabama.
     One year later Eldon was appointed as an Alabama State Trooper by then Governor of Alabama, George C. Wallace. His assignments included the counties of Washington, Crenshaw And Geneva. Eldon remained in this position for 25 years, at which time he retired.
     Eldon also served 20 years with the National Guard and retired with the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.
     Not wanting to put his life in an inactive status, Eldon was hired as Credit Manager for Benco Credit Union in Geneva. However, the call came once again from his home town of Samson and the people he loved to become Chief of Police.  He remained in this position until his final retirement at age of 62. Eldon spent his entire career in public service to the people. The Merritt's are now living on West Main Street in Samson, within 200 yards of where Eldon was born.
     Eldon would like to thank his wonderful wife Dot, and his Son Jeffery for
standing by him and always giving their support during the past many years . He also
wishes to thank the rest of his family and the friends he has made, which are many.