He proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy and later worked alongside his brother, Bill Merritt, operating Bill Merritt Funeral Home in Bethany, OK. Gene and his wife, Marie also owned and operated Merritt Funeral Service in Eufaula, OK and Merritt Funeral Service Cottage Chapel in Henryetta, OK for many years. He loved his family, OU football, gardening, bird watching, and for many years was a member of a traveling bowling league.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill, Clifford and Charlie Merritt. Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Marie Merritt; children, Verda White, Gary Gregg (Sonya), and Donna Gregg; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2014 at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Condolences may be offered at www.chapelhill-okc.com
