Kenneth “Ken” Francis Merriman III

Kenneth “Ken” Francis Merriman III, 54, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Born in Albany, NY, he was a son of Kenneth Merriman, Jr. and Sharon and Gene F. Planer.

Ken was funny and sarcastic, yet quiet and reserved. He was passionate about computers as well as gaming and Elder Scrolls was his favorite. He also loved music and especially enjoyed playing his guitars. Ken was a fan of Star Trek and later, developed a love of Star Wars.

A skilled mechanic, Ken was able to lift, dismantle, and replace a Camaro engine successfully before he even attended school in the field of mechanics. He had a continuing quest for knowledge and earned three associate degrees. Ken previously worked for Bosch Rexroth as a machinist.

Ken was a genuine person with a heart of gold who was bright, innovative, humble, and pursued all his interests with passion. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

His memory will continue in the hearts of his parents, Sharon Planer (Gene F.) and Kenneth Merriman, Jr.; loving sibling and half-siblings, Jan Marie Merriman, Gene W. Planer (Debra), Stephen Planer (Rhonda), and Jennifer Planer; nieces, Sarena Planer (Lamar Rose-Wofford), Cassidy Suber, Christine Marie Larsen, and Meghan Renee Larsen; two great-nieces, Aaliyah and Amare Rose-Wofford; Godparents, Harry and Bert Merriman of Albany, NY; as well as other family members.

A visitation will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a NAMI which supports mental health awareness at https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=globalNav&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=DonationTracking&c_src=WEBDG.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Ken with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.