Ezra R. Merryman; Elk, Owned Dry Cleaners

Ezra R. Merryman of Ventura, longtime owner of a dry cleaning business, died Tuesdayin a local hospital following a brief illness. He was 72.

He was born April 22, 1925, in Hugo, Okla., and lived in Ventura County for 50 years.

His brother Sam of Ventura recalled life on the farm with Ezra: “Being that he was older, he would be out there plowing, and I was his water boy. I had a little gallon can, and pretty soon I’d hear him hollering for Sam.

“Sometimes I’d be rushing through the field and the lid would pop off that water can, and I’d get a little bit of debris in it,” he said. Even still, Ezra never complained about his younger brother’s efforts.

For 37 years, until the time of his death, Merryman owned College Square Cleaners in Ventura. He was a member and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Post 1430 in Ventura, vice president of the Elks West Central Coast District and past deputy grand exalted ruler.

He served in the Navy during World War II, and was a member of American Legion Post 339 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter Chaffee Post 1679, both in Ventura.

Sam Merryman, who was recently appointed exalted ruler of the Ventura Elks lodge for the second time, said the organization provided great fellowship for him and his late brother.

“The Elks kept us together,” he said. “Not only were we brothers, we were good friends.”

In addition to his brother, Merryman is survived by his wife Ruby; two daughters, Karen Merryman and Geri Morger, both of Ventura; a stepdaughter, Sandra Princeton of Hanford, Calif.; two stepsons, Randall Martin of Sacramento and Gary Martin of Ventura; brother Paul Merryman of Ventura;a sister, Hazel Merryman of Ventura; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. today at the Ted Mayr Funeral home, with the Rev. Dana Eaton and the BPOE Post 1430 officiating.

Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, with the participation of American Legion Post 339 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1679.

Memorial contributions may be made to BPOE Post 1430, 11 S. Ash St., Ventura 93001