Donald Paul Merrick

Donald Paul “Don” Merrick of Wheelock, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. There will be a celebration of his life at his home in Wheelock, Texas on Sunday, November 14th at 3 p.m.

Donald was born November 26, 1928 in Los Angeles to Ernest Paul of Ireland and Anna Catherine Merrick of Nebraska. He grew up in Huntington Park, California and graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1946. He joined the U.S. Army on September 23, 1946 and served in Germany until his discharge in February of 1948.

He married Eda M. Andres on December 4, 1954. He worked in the lumber industry prior to his marriage and continued to work in the lumber industry until his retirement from Freemont Forest Products in 1990 in Long Beach, California.

He was an avid off road racing fan and built his own pre-runner so he could help pit with SCORE international, which he did in the 1980’s. He enjoyed fishing and camping in the summer with his family in Idaho and going to NASCAR races when he could.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Marcia Whelan of Manhattan Beach, California; and his baby daughter, Karen Elizabeth Merrick.

Donald is survived by his wife, Eda Merrick; son Larry Merrick; daughters and sons-in-law Carol and Joe Emery of College Station, Diana and John Derby of Wheelock, and Cindy Ridens of Fountain Valley, California.

He is also survived by his grand-children Steven Merrick and fiancé Megan McGoey, Amber Ridens and Cody Ridens all of Fountain Valley, California, Justin Lund, Jeremy Lund, Courtney and husband Ty Dorn, and Alex Emery all of College Station, Micah and wife, Julie Merrick of Boston, Massachusetts, Christa Merrick of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Haley Emery and Michael Kramer of Bryan; and his great-grandson Grayson Kramer of Bryan.

Dad and Grandpa, we will see you manana! In our hearts forever, your loving family.