Graveside memorial services for both Bill and Betty Merrell will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Fairlawn Cemetery.
Billie Bob Merrell, “Paps”, 85, of Chickasha, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 18, 2020, eight days after his one true love, Betty also passed away, both from complications of COVID.
Bill was born October 3 1935, to Jennie “Louise” (Rush) Merrell and Calvin Winfred Merrell in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Bill joined the Navy in January of 1953 and was assigned to the USS Stoddard, and was also a veteran of the Korean War. Bill loved working in his garage, tinkering on cars. He worked in the oil field most of his adult life. He spent his retirement years with his loving wife Betty by his side. He loved decorating for holidays and taking care of his yard, it was a labor of love he had. He was always ready to give advice for a project or lend a helping hand. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was always ready to brew a pot of coffee or offer you a cold drink. His loved ones spent many hours visiting either at the kitchen table or swinging in the backyard. Love and laughter is a legacy that he left for all that knew and loved him.
He was also preceded in death by his mother Louise Galbreath, father Calvin Merrell, wife Clara “June” Payne Merrell, infant son Larry Dewayne Durington; son Robert Merrell; father-in-law Cecil Tipps; mother-in-law Georgia Byars; sister Katherine “Pete” Johnson; brother-in-law Dave Johnson, brother Jay Merrell; brother-in-law Harold Tipps; and sister-in-law Ann Mueller.
Survivors include his children, Landa and Rick Ramsey of Alex and Brent and Robin Merrell of Oklahoma City, Bailey Durington of Alex, George and Renee Durington of Lindsey, and Echo and Eugene “Yogi” Southwell of Chickasha; sister-in-law Darleen and Jeff Newby of Purdy; former sister-in law Betty Durington of Lewisville Tx, and sister-in-law Jo Hathcock of California; grandchildren Kylie and Tony Latta of Alex, Karson Merrell of Oklahoma City, Jack Merrell of Oklahoma City, Misty and David Parr of Alex, Robert Durington of Oklahoma City, Tanner and Christina Durington of Tuttle, Callie Durington of Lindsey, Derick and Jerica Southwell of Chickasha, Hunter and Brittani Southwell of Norman, Shannon and Bronson Morgan of Chickasha, Destiny Gernhart and Austin Carrillo of Chickasha; God-granddaughter Ashley Heddy of Washington; great-grandchildren Knox Latta, Kollins Latta, Bayli and Marcus Robertson, Andrew and Kylie Hightower, Eli and Daniela Parr, Logan Southwell, Konner Southwell, Lorenzo Guarner, Wyatt Durington, Paisley Simpkins, Carter Carrillo, Sabrie Traxler, Preston Nabors, Kole Parker and Gracie Parker; great-great grandchildren Bryson Robertson, Jaxon Hightower, Wyatt Hightower, Charlotte Hightower, David Parr, Denver Parr, Alana Traxler, Josie Traxler and Violet Traxler. Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends that became a special part of his life.
In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to Chickasha VFW.
Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.