Anthony “Tony” James Merillat, age 60, of Adrian, MI, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at his home with his family at his side and under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. He was born on February 4, 1966 in Tecumseh, MI, the son of the late James and Shirley (Lambes) Merillat. On December 5, 2008, he was united in marriage in Toledo, OH with Shelley Keller, and they enjoyed over seventeen years of marriage life.
Tony was a very active “doer” and involved individual. He was a long-time member of Grace Point Evangelical Free Church. Tony loved spending time working in his garage, and he was known for his ability to fix just about anything. He also enjoyed flying, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling. Tony always looked forward to going to his cabin, but most of all, he treasured the time he could spend with his grandchildren and his family.
In addition to his wife, Shelley, Tony is survived by his daughters, Danielle (Zach), and Aimee (Mike) Ferguson; his grandchildren, Mieah, Layla, Asher, Anthony, Kelsie, Shelley, Alyssa, Jasmine, Chance, and Destiny; his great-grandchildren, Gatlin, Bentley, Brody, Lyla, Lexi, Ethan, Abel, Amiyalynn, Giovanni, Zelda, Zyair, Oden, Alison, and Madeline; and his sisters, Theresa (Rene) Ramirez and Renee (Don) Rutledge; and his brother-in-law, Harold White.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley Merillat, his daughter, Michele Bishop, his sister, Krystal White, and his grandparents.
Visitation for Tony will take place from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Grace Point Evangelical Free Church in Adrian, MI, followed by a funeral service at the church officiated by Pastor Jeff Barbieri. Final resting place for Tony will be at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, MI. Memorial contributions in honor of Tony may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.