George Washington Merwin

BEDFORD, TEXAS - George Washington Merwin III was born Aug. 30, 1933 at Newman Hospital, Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas USA and passed on September 8, 2024. George was a resident of Bedford, Texas at time of passing.
Bud went to be with his Lord peacefully, after encountering esophagus cancer and multiple complications. He was able to live his final days at home and surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly.
Visitation: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Cross City Church, 1000 Airport Freeway, Euless, Texas 76039. Celebration of Life: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Cross City Church; followed by entombment at Greenwood Mausoleum, 3100 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.
George "Bud" was a man of relationships. To everyone who was fortunate to know him, he provided what they truly wanted in a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, or Corporate CEO. He was always loving, caring, available and glad to see you. He was an engaged listener that was genuinely interested in other people, offering companionship, empathy, encouragement and comfort with a great sense of humor. He was pure as any man can be, thinking the best of others with a quick forgiveness. He valued integrity and honesty as a standard for life. He was always fun to be with. Bud was a devoted Christian and knew his God. He prayed daily and read scriptures to find peace, wisdom and guidance and diligently served God however he was called to do. He wanted others to know Jesus and urged his children and grandchildren to seek God's guidance. He volunteered with Moslah Shrine Flying Fez by organizing all the trips to safely carry the children to Shrine Hospitals in Texas from 2001-2022. He met so many great men who were willing to sacrifice whatever it took to help these children. The Moslah Shrine awarded Bud a Distinguished Award for going above and beyond the call of duty to such a degree that exceeds normal expectations and is in the highest spirit of the Shriner Dom mission.
He was born in Emporia, Kansas to George Washington Merwin Jr. and Juanita Lane, Merwin. He honorably served his country with the US Army. He partnered with his father with Merwin's Automotive for twenty-five years and then became involved with Automotive Service Council, Elmhurst, Illinois, as Director of Technical Services and as President & CEO. Following a Corporate merger, he joined the staff of the Automotive Service Association Bedford, Texas serving as the President & CEO until his retirement in 1998 as President Emeritus. He paved the way to help elevate the mechanical and collision repair body shops across the US by instituting more management and technical training. The creation of National Autobody Congress Exposition drew 5000 people together each year, to see the latest equipment and training available. Bud received numerous recognitions from Northwood University, Brookhaven College, and Texas's own Honorable Joe Barton entered his career achievements into the Congressional records upon his retirement. He was proud to be appointed as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and held membership in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bud was a member of several Fort Worth Texas Masonic Bodies as well.
He lived a long and fruitful life. He loved his roses and prided himself through keeping the flower beds full of nature's beauties. He could repair anything with his mechanical mind and experiences. He enjoyed cutting glass and left behind beautiful pieces for all to enjoy. He was faithful to visit his friends and neighbors. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies each Wednesday. He always was concerned about having his home comfortable for his wife of 26 years, Sharon, whom he loved dearly, by having all of his affairs in order. Every day he would express his love and devotion towards her. His children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren were his pride of life. He loved his church friends and neighbors and knew their bond of friendship was sincere. Each Sunday he looked forward to hearing God's message with our pastor, Bro. John Meadows. He knew he was blessed and was thankful for it. He was ready to meet the God he knew so well.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, George and Juanita Merwin; two sisters, Beverly Stolfus & husband, James and Donna Cook & husband, Cookie; and his 1st wife, Peggy Merwin.
Survivors are his wife, Sharon Merwin; children, George "Lucky" Merwin IV, Linda Fritz and Bill; and stepchildren, Rodney & Mindy Dye, Bradley & Angie Dye and Heather & Gaylon Cox; 11 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren who called him "Grandpa Texas"; grandchildren, Heidi & Biff Schuessler, George "V" & Michelle Merwin, Tanya & Stephen Davis, Kaylee & Connor Still, Carter & Taylor Dye, Sierra & David Reinert, Zoe Cabe, Callen & Kensi Dye, Caeleb Dye, Hadley "Skeezix" Dye, and Brody Hays; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Davis, Faith, Finley and Kira "Kiwi" Reinert, Halston and Hartley Dye, Presley Dye, Alexander Schuessler, and Eloise "Ellie" Merwin.
Family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations to the Shrine Hospitals would be welcome:
Moslah Shrine
PO Box 1321
Fort Worth, TX 76101
Donations can be marked: Moslah Shrine- Children's Hospital, and you will receive a receipt from them.
GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME
Greenwood Funeral - Cremation
3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-336-0584