Jerry A. Merritt

Early Monday, May 18, 2015, Jerry “Grandad” A. Merritt, departed this world for his heavenly destination. He and his twin sister, JoAnn, entered this world prematurely on April 25, 1932, to Susie (Jordan) and Otho Merritt of Crawford, Texas. His strong sense of family and work ethic were developed at the early age of seven after his father’s accidental death. His mother and siblings would later move to Waco where he delivered circulars, worked on a dairy and at Central Texas Iron Works to help support the family. On a blind date in 1952, he met and fell in love with his angel on earth, Gertrude “Mimi” Lepar. They married on November 13, 1954, and were blessed with 60 years together. Jerry was drafted and proudly served in the US Navy on the USS Mataco from 1955 to 1957. During his time of service, he made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed entertaining anyone who would listen with his sea stories. In September 1957 Jerry and Gertrude moved to 2523 Beechwood of Odessa where they would live for the next 57 years working and raising their three children. He was employed with General Tire and Rubber Company until his retirement in 1992. Grandad found great pleasure in everyday life. He never ate a meal that he didn’t declare “that’s the best meal I ever had.” He believed everyday should be a picnic and every night a party and wanted others to join in with him. Grandad’s curiosity of the world kept him constantly challenging the family with a wide variety of questions. Grandad loved his “Mimi” and family dearly. We will miss his encouragement, his hugs and the love he shared so graciously to all he met. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Susie; Father, Otho; siblings, Key, James, Katherine, Dorothy and twin JoAnn. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Lepar Merritt of Odessa; son Mark and wife Maribea Merritt; daughter Karen and husband Kenny Kidd; daughter Teresa Bowers and Jeff Ashley all of Odessa; grandchildren Tyler Bowers and wife Asha; Ryan and Ashley Kidd, Jonathan Merritt and Marshall Burson; along with many other family members and friends. Since Grandad loved children, the family suggests memorial gifts to the youth group of Asbury United Methodist, 4001 E. University, Odessa Texas 79762, or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Jerry A. Merritt

April 25, 1932 - May 18, 2015