CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM MERRITT CROWN POINT, IN Christopher William Merritt, age 35, of Crown Point, IN passed away suddenly March 8, 2008. He was born August 4, 1972 in Alamosa, CO to Richard and Kathleen Merritt of Crown Point. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents: Christopher 'Earl' and Lillian Merritt of Crown Point; maternal grandparents: William and Jayne McNeil of Monte Vista, CO; and father-in-law, Kerry Lynch of Crown Point. He is survived by his wife, Kristen; beloved daughter, Brooke; parents: Rich and Kathy of Crown Point, respectively; sister, Maureen of Crown Point and Bellingham, WA; and mother-in-law, Karen Vasquez of Indianapolis. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. In his younger years, Chris showed great talent in both football and baseball. He graduated from Crown Point High School in 1990 and went on to Indiana University where he continued his love of baseball as a relief pitcher for IU. Chris worked as Transportation Manager for Mittal Steel in Riverdale, Illinois. Chris was a very hard worker, a wonderful provider to his family and a loving father. Chris spent most of his free time with daughter Brooke where he taught her to play ball, fish for bluegill and took her to the theater. Chris was very proud to be a father and took great care in building a strong bond with his daughter. Chris also spent a lot of his time working on home landscaping projects and his yard was ever changing by the season. Chris took great pride in his home, his family and his work. Chris always had time for a friend especially in sharing stories or joke and his infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN with Rev. John Starr officiating. Interment at Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point, IN.