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BORN
1948
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
John Paul Merritt Obituary
Mr. Merritt was born October 25, 1948 in Mt. Vernon, TX. He was a member of the Lone Star Mower Association, a former employee of Lear Siegler Services and an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
He loved to race ATV's, motorcycles and lawn mowers especially with the Cajun Lawn Mower Racing Association in Lake Charles, LA. He was a huge NASCAR fan and shared many enjoyable hours fishing with his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Joyce Merritt and his granddaughter, Cheyenne Merritt.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rebecca Arrant Merritt of Texarkana, TX; two daughters, Shannon Merritt of Snyder, TX and Brenda Merritt of Texarkana, TX; two sons, John Lee Merritt and Brian Paul Merritt both of New Orleans, LA; two sisters and two brother-in-laws, Sondra and James Helms of Fouke, AR and Patricia and Jerry Mangum of Texarkana, TX; 11 grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Bro. John Hall officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Chapelwood Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Texarkana Hu
Memories and Condolences
for John Paul Merritt
Margaret Cardwell
August 12, 2024
My sweet friend, BeckyI am praying ahead for you as you remember the last days of John’s life on earth. This is always a rough week for you and those who loved John. Please know that you are loved and that John is also praying for you from his glorious new home. Remember all those funny times that you spent together. Remember him in the yard constantly tinkering (Roy would call it piddling)! Remember how he cared for you and helped you with your Mother. He was truly a good man who is still greatly missed.
Roy and I love you and are always here for you.
Margaret Cardwell
Margaret Cardwell
August 12, 2021
Well, JohnBecky’s off to Orange again! Roy and I are doing our best to watch over your place on Beechwood. I imagine you are watching over Becky during her absence from her friends in T-Town. No matter where Becky goes, her thoughts are never far from you. You definitely left a large hole but sweet memories help to fill the void. Keep looking in on Becky and for goodness sakes, send her some winning numbers!
Margaret Cardwell
Margaret. Cardwell
August 12, 2019
I always enjoyed visiting with John. We had some pretty good talks over our fence. John was a great neighbor and a good friend. I still miss seeing him. My prayers go out today to his wife, Becky, and all of his family and friends who still treasure his memory. May God bless and keep, you in His care.
Rebecca Merritt
September 7, 2011
Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night.
~Edna St Vincent Millay
Phillis Felice
August 22, 2011
Girl, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish I'd seen this earlier and I would have been there. Know that I love you and holler at me anytime.
Racing in Hope, AR 2008
Rebecca Merritt
August 22, 2011
Jennie Stewart
August 21, 2011
Prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this great time of loss.
Brenda Jeans
August 21, 2011
Becky, big John was the sweetest person I knew. I really enjoyed seeing him each day @ Wadley. He will truly be missed by all. Take care Big John!!
Marion & Sammie Neel
August 21, 2011
The last time we saw you and John was at Waco, Texas. Sure was hot and the track sure was sandy. But no matter where we are, or what the conditions are, we have a ton of fun.
John will be missed tremendously by you, and all of his racing family too! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy Cormier
August 20, 2011
Our hearts and condolences go out to you and the family. John will be missed greatly by all his friends and family, and racing without him there will be hard... We haven't seen you guys in awhile, but your always close to our hearts, I remember the first time I met you guys in Lake Charles, ya'll had driven forever to get to the track and had the dogs with you too- seems like he'd drive to the ends of the earth for you... you are a very lucky person to had such a big gentle teddy bear in your life... and now he will be with you in spirit, sitting on your shoulder, and watching over you in everything you do! We'll all miss him.. Hugs, Tammy & Brandon Cormier... Mow on Big John, Mow on.....
Brandon Cormier
August 20, 2011
Mr. John,
I have known you and Ms. Becky for a few years now and always looked forward to pulling up at the track and shaking your hand as I just knew there was going to be a story; Either your truck broke down; something went wrong with your mower, or Ms. Becky was on you about hers. Whether you were on the track next to me or sitting on your trailer watching us race I really enjoyed your company and stories.
One day we’ll all meet again and it’ll be Ready, Set, Mow
Running across the track, jump on our mowers and away we go
Until that day is called upon us
Keep the track watered down to keep the dust out our teeth
Keep the grass mowed clean so it’s nice and neat
Ensure your mower is tuned and ready for the track
Were coming and hope for you to lead the pack
You have pleased a many fans and made a lot of friends
It’s sad that we have to say our goodbyes, but not the end
I am honored to say you are a very good friend of mine and you will defiantly be missed.
“Cowboy”
#723
Brandon Cormier
August 20, 2011
Mr. John,
I have known you and Ms. Becky for a few years now and always looked forward to pulling up at the track and shaking your hand as I just knew there was going to be a story; Either your truck broke down; something went wrong with your mower, or Ms. Becky was on you about hers. Whether you were on the track next to me or sitting on your trailer watching us race I really enjoyed your company and stories.
One day we’ll all meet again and it’ll be Ready, Set, Mow
Running across the track, jump on our mowers and away we go
Until that days is called upon us
Keep the track watered down to keep the dust out our teeth
Keep the grass mowed clean so it’s nice and neat
Ensure your mower is tuned and ready for the track
Were coming and hope for you to lead the pack
You have pleased a many fans and made a lot of friends
It’s sad that we have to say our goodbyes, but not the end
I am honored to say you are a very good friend of mine and you will defiantly be missed.
“Cowboy”
#723
August 19, 2011
Becky, I always loved when you and John would come into K-Mart to pick up your medicine--John was always so patient with us when we were slow or did not have all your stuff together. I liked to tease him about buying the big bags of dog food "Cooking supper again for Becky tonight, John?" He"d just sort of chuckle "Yep"--and he always wore overalls. You just have to love a guy that can pull off that kind of fashion statement. He will be truly missed by all the pharmacy staff. Really one of the good guys who will never be forgotten...Kaye Williams, K-Mart Pharmacy Technician
Sheri Jones
August 19, 2011
Becky and family,
John was a wonderful man and a great racer. We will all greatly miss him! We always enjoyed seeing him and getting to visit with him at the races. I (Sheri) will always remember, that when he hugged me, it felt like being hugged by a big teddy bear. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Becky, if you need anything, please let us know. We love you! Chris, Sheri, Derek and Ericha
Marc Baker
August 19, 2011
As a newer member of the LSMRA, I didn't get to know you, but we share the same racing spirit. In your thoughts, I will try to take care of your racing buddies on the track and in the pits.
Dennis Drake
August 19, 2011
Always enjoyed visiting with John and Becky whenever we met at the races. John will be missed by all the LSMRA that knew him. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Dennis and Vicki Drake
John Nelson
August 19, 2011
I first met John as a lawnmower racer, always positive, always fun to be with and always positive. He was the only one that I have ever seen that got tossed off his mower and not only hit the track but bounced back up in the air and hit the tract again. Nothing hurt but his pride. I will miss John and his friendship. Great guy and great friend.
Rebecca Merritt
August 19, 2011
You were a part of my life for the past 32 years, 30 of them married. We shared good times and bad. I miss you so much.
You were the quintessential good guy who tried his best to see good in everyone and help those who needed it.
Mow on John, mow on. Sit n Spin with all your racing buddies who've gone before you.
I Love you John
Rebecca "Becky" Merritt
David Farren
August 19, 2011
"Ole Big John" was one of the best friends I've ever had. Working those long nights at LSI with Big John was always an adventure. I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood even though he was constantly battling health problems. I wish the world had more like him. Becky my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Suzanne & Billy Hackett
August 18, 2011
Becky,
We are all so sorry for your loss. Our sympathies and prayers for you and the family. So hard to lose our loved ones but God is our strength. John will be missed by all that knew him.
Love you,
August 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss.I went to school with Patricia and Sondra. Patricia sure would like to hear from you. My e-mail is [email protected] and my phone is 903-276-5568. I know you all will miss John Paul. Will be praying for God's comfort for all of you.
Johnnie Hines Purifoy
Texarkana Arkansas
Margaret Cardwell
August 18, 2011
Becky, our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God keep you and all of John's family close to His comforting heart. Call us for anything you need. We will be right there.
Love you,
Margaret and Roy Cardwell
Penny Boren
August 18, 2011
Becky, you have my deepest sympathy and my condolences to the family. My prayers will be with you.
Nancy Talley
August 18, 2011
May God comfort you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Judge Nancy Talley and Staff
Darrell Stow
August 18, 2011
Just read the Gazette. Praying for you. I lost my wife on the 20th. of Feb. I know what you are going through. The Holy Spirit gave me a thought, when my wife died. Grieving is Yielding. Hope this helps. God Bless You and Yours.
Pam Miller
August 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss Becky. Just know you have people that love you during this difficult time.
Patricia Martin
August 17, 2011
Becky, I've just heard and I am truly sorry for your loss. If there's anything you need let me know. Your friend, Pat
Sandra Williams
August 17, 2011
I am sorry for your lose
Willie Williams
August 17, 2011
Words will not express just how great a friend John was to me.I will truly miss him.
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