Orville D. Merillat 1916 – 1999

Biography

Businessman-Philanthropist Served in US Coast Guard during WWII; married Ruth Muller on January 19, 1941; founder, and former President and CEO of Merillat Industries, Inc.; employer of over 3,000 people with more than eleven factories across the United States; recipient of the Michigan Small Business Person of the Year in 1977; co-recipient with Ruth of the National Association of Evangelicals’ Laypersons of the Year in 1988; founded the Orville and Ruth Merillat Foundation; founded the Christian Family Foundation; major benefactor and contributor to Sienna Heights College in Adrian, Michigan; major contributor to Huntington College in Indiana; major contributor to Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan; founder and benefactor of Lenawee Christian School and the Christian Family Centre; founder and benefactor of 243-acre Michindoh Camp and Conference Center in Hillsdale, Michigan; donated obstetrics ward to Narsapur Hospital in India; donated wing to Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Michigan; received honorary doctorate degree from Huntington College; co-author of his autobiography “His Guiding Hand” published by Coral Ridge Ministries in 1992; major contributor to the Republican Party; father of Richard; grandfather of Wendy, Collette and Tricia. (bio by: Always with Love)