Jackie “Jack” Dean Merrell, 73, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019.
He was born June 1, 1945, in Oildale/Bakersfield, Calif., son of Wilburn and Opal Buckner Merrell.
In 1974, he moved to Licking to be closer to his parents who had moved back in 1972.
He loved hunting and fishing. Trips to Greenhorn Mountain and Lake Isabella with his friends and family were what he enjoyed the most. He also loved turkey hunting, racing and cars.
His joy of the outdoors started in California and continued in Missouri. His first deer season in 1974 in Missouri, he was awarded the first-place trophy in Texas County with a 10-point buck.
Before moving back to Missouri, he raced in Bakersfield, Calif., at Famoso Drag Strip. In Missouri he continued to race his 65 Dodge Coronet through encouragement by local kids.
He had several jobs during his career. He worked in the oil fields in California as well as in Iran, where he was an instructor of helicopter hydraulic systems. He ended his career by retiring at Cantex in Rolla.
He owned his own business, J and J Post Company, and worked with his son, Dean, peeling pine poles.
In his past time after retirement he enjoyed his family, riding four wheelers and surfing the net.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Octava Jean Merrell Freeman.
Survivors include two sons, Don Merrell of Rolla and Dean Windy Merrell of Licking; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members.
Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Fox Funeral Home, Licking, with Pastor Mike Gorman officiating. Burial was in Craddock Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack Merrell Memorial Fund c/o Fox Funeral Home to assist with funeral arrangements.