Trent D. Merrill 1974—2016Trent David Merrill, 42, of Palatine, IL, died after fighting a courageous battle against Leukemia on October 27, 2016. He was born on April 9, 1974 in Freeport, IL to David and Jane (Steien) Merrill. He married the love of his life, Amy (Petta) on August 29, 2015 in Freeport. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1992 where he made many lifelong friendships. He then attended Highland Community College where he played baseball. He was an avid sports fan with a passion for baseball and was an excellent bowler, who enjoyed bowling in leagues for years. He continued his father's love of collecting baseball cards by buying/selling them on EBay. Trent also loved to travel and he especially enjoyed a good road trip. He found great pleasure in finding the perfect restaurant; his favorites were always supper clubs. Trent's humor, quick wit, kindheartedness, and love for his family and friends were among his outstanding qualities. Trent is survived by his wife, Amy; his loving mother, Jane; his devoted sister, Tammy Merrill; and his in-laws, Phenie and Diane Petta; sisters, Dawn (Petta) and John Carlson, Kara (Petta) and Jason Carlisle as well as his nephews and nieces (Bryce, Brennan, and Brant Carlson and Brady, Meghan, and Jillian Carlisle) who he was affectionately known to as Uncle T. He is also survived by countless friends and other relatives who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, David; and his grandparents. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday 10:30 a.m. November 2, 2016 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Freeport. Visitation will be Tuesday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Trent's memory. Please sign Trent's guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.