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BORN
1937
DIED
2016
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Merle Haggard Obituary
Merle Ronald Haggard was born in Bakersfield, California to James F. and Flossie M. Haggard on April 6, 1937. On his 79th birthday, April 6, 2016, while comforted by family, Merle passed away in Palo Cedro, California.
Merle's walk with the Lord began on September 20, 1953 when he was sixteen years old. He was baptized at the Church of Christ on Norris Road which was in walking distance from his family "Boxcar" home on Yosemite Drive in Oildale, California. Volumes have been written about Merle's extraordinary musical talents, and his success as a country singer, poet and songwriter, but his sister Lillian and family would like to invite all of Merle's friends to a "Celebration of Life" at the Valley Baptist Church on May 10th to experience Merle's love and faith in God.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents and his brother James Lowell Haggard and sister-in-law Frances; Leona Witherspoon, the mother of their four children Dana, Marty, Kelley and Noel, and twelve grandchildren; Bonnie Owens, former wife and member of the Strangers, co-author of some of his best songs, and the mother of his step-sons Mike and Buddy Owens.
He is also survived by his sister Lillian Rea Hoge and her husband Dr. George L. Hoge; nephew James L. Haggard, Jr., wife Elaine and daughters Amy and Sarah, and grandniece Paige of Bakersfield and San Diego. Merle's wife, Theresa, daughter Janessa and her husband Brian and their daughter Delaney; and son Ben and his friend Jeyda reside in Palo Cedro near Redding.
The Strangers, Merle's band, and his staff of drivers and concessionaires are all longtime friends - truly extended family, and part of a hard working crew who were dedicated to Merle.
The family of Merle Haggard wish to extend special mention of Frank and Ann Mull and B.J. Harms for their end of life loving care.
Merle's 1968 classic "Mama Tried" was selected in 2016 and added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. It was the only "country" song chosen. Merle adored his mother Flossie, and she was his greatest fan.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MERLE HAGGARD TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 10TH AT 10:30 A.M.
VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 4800 FRUITVALE AVENUE BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93308
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Haggard
Sponsored by Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest & Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Larry
October 29, 2023
I´ll never forget. Miss you boss man.
Keith Hanssen
April 23, 2022
Deepest condolences to all of Merl´s family and close friends. I wish I could´ve met him. His voice soothes my soul like no other.
April 25, 2021
Merle was the best country singer. I still miss hearing him but I do have tapes I listen to. Rest In Peace Merle. I think about you so often and play your CDs. I’ll always be a fan
Pat
April 25, 2020
Merle is so missed. I was fortunate to be able to see Merle in concert about 8 times. He was wonderful and will always be missed. God bless his family.
Pat Brown
April 25, 2019
I still cant believe Merle is gone. There is always a CD playing of him in my car. I have Sirius radio but my CD player is playing Merle. I was fortunate enough to see him 8 times and was never disappointed. God bless his family as i know they miss him terribly. I hope his boys keep his legend going as they sound so much like him. I dont know if its the youngest one or not but its hard to tell them apart. Keep up the good work. I hope to be able to see you in concert sometime. God bless you and Merle will always be missed
Pat Brown
A fan forever
CS ROGERS
May 15, 2017
My daddy told me when I was young,
"IF you want to see the difference one makes,
Stick your finger in that glass of water- that's you.
Now pull it out- see a hole?...thats the breaks."
I gauge this life by the people I've known,
the affect they've had on me.
The words they've spoke, the attention they gave,
Their light that helped me see.
All my mentors, my heroes, my look up to's-
they're steadily leaving this place.
Time marches on, as I'm left all alone,
I have my memories- they're my saving grace.
Some people leave an indelible mark,
then they leave you all alone.
An optimist says the glass is half full,
I say that mine is almost gone.
Thank you Mr. Haggard- you are one of them,
that got me through my roughest times, when my outlook was dim.
I shall never forget You- You were truly one of a kind.
You live on to sing your songs...in the pages of my mind.
michelle adams
November 4, 2016
my condelences to the family of merle haggard .I,ll miss him a lot. and I,m realted to merle haggard.
Roger Jones
July 23, 2016
Although your band was named the Strangers,But Merle Haggard was a stranger to none who has known the best music in world that being COUNTRY MUSIC . Merle was a MANS MAN précis & never a loser in country music.
Judy Longworth
July 22, 2016
My sincere sympathy to the family of Merle Haggard. May God guide each of you in the difficult days to follow. Merle will be missed but his music will live on. RIP.
janet madison
July 12, 2016
There will never be another Merle Haggard. Merle you were loved by trillions. I will forever cherish the years since 1979 of being with you and your band. Tons of memories I shall be forever grateful for your generosity. I will forever remember and hold you in my heart. Your music shall play 24-7
you shall be eternally remembered and loved forever.. Rest in peace my dear friend till we meet again at Heavens gates . I can only imagine the music up there already... Janet Madison Mena Arkansas
Pat Brown
June 29, 2016
Merle will be sorely missed. He was the best. God Bless his wife and children. I was fortunate enough to see him 8 times from California to Tennessee. We were never disappointed. Walk those golden streets Merle.
carolyn antaloci
May 28, 2016
ypu were the best, Merle. A morehumble man i had yet to know and listen too.
you played and sang right from the heart.
hope YOU'RE in heaven with your mom, dad. and brother.
i never met you personally, but I'll never, ever, forget you.
Patsy Holliday
May 4, 2016
Merle, you were an awesome country singer. Every one of your songs I like, of course, I have my favorites. It has
happened, The Ole' Man from the Mountain did truly go Home! You will be so missed.
May 3, 2016
merle,
you were the greatest singer of all time, my feeling
will miss you always.
love you as a brother.
Pat Jimenez
May 2, 2016
I have seen Merle Haggard in concert so many times, always performed a great show! One of the all time great classic country stars. Rest in peace. Pat Jimenez, Laurel, Delaware
L Wells
May 2, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and would like to offer my sincere condolences. It's very hard to bear the loss of someone so dear and although there is little that one can say or do to take away all your pain, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. May you continue to assure your heart that Merle is safe in God's memory as you can read in his word at Malachi 3:16 and Revaluation 21:3&4.
carolyn mcelhaney
May 1, 2016
am sorry for ur lost he was a good singer and he will be miss very much
Bobbie Dillard.....-Eldridge
May 1, 2016
To all of you....May God be with all of you...Dana,Marty,Kelley,Noel and other Family members ..You have so many memories to treasure always and forever Merle was a true Legend His music will play forever..I loved going to the house and listening to Merle and the Steangers practice...I loved when he sang Silver Wings that is my favorite song..My prayer's are with all of you..
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