Jerry David Merrell

Quitaque - Jerry David Merrell, age 72, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Amarillo. Graveside Services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Greymule Cemetery in Briscoe County. A family visitation will be 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Moore-Rose Funeral Home in Quitaque. Arrangements are under the personal care of Moore-Rose Funeral Home in Quitaque.
Jerry David Merrell was born in Matador, Texas June 23, 1952, to Dexter Lee "Jake" Merrell and Jo Mae Smith. Jerry graduated from Quitaque High School class of 1970 then attended West Texas State University from 1970-1973. Next was Baylor School of Dentistry from 1974-1978 and then he was stationed in Fort Hood where he was the DENTAC Captain from 1978-1980. Finally, he attended the University of Kentucky College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 1980-1984.
From there he operated successful dental practices for the next 30+ years in Odessa and Midland, Texas and finally Santa Ynez, California. After retiring from oral surgery Dr. Merrell came home to Texas where he resided in Amarillo and became a well-liked bus driver for Texas First company, driving "Yellow Dog 18." He liked to stay busy, so in his free time he worked at the sale barn and attained his CDL then started the LLC Lone Star CDL and eventually purchased his own rig, which he lovingly named "Lori Darlin'."
Jerry had many passions, he loved team roping, especially when he could partner with his son David. He loved his friends and was particularly proud of his association with the Los Rancheros Visitadores, Gringo Camp and the Santa Barbara Trail Riders. Jerry always enjoyed putting on a show. His skits at the annual Merrell family reunion will not soon be forgotten
He is preceded in death by his father "Jake" Merrell, mother Jo Mae (Smith) Merrell, sister Jo Beth Gardner
He is survived by his wife Karen Merrell of Amarillo, Texas, brother Warren Lee Merrell of Quitaque, Texas, children, David Merrell of Stratford, Texas, Jennifer (Merrell) Middleton and her husband, Charlie of Lubbock, Texas, Spencer Johnson and his wife Hanna of Idalou, Texas, step daughters Ashlea Hedrick of Oxnard, California, Haylea Collins of Amarillo, Texas and grandchildren Jessica, Macoy, Miller, Morgan Mae, Lucky, Ace, Ava and Reece, with another grandson, Tate due in October. Jerry had countless treasured friendships, as he made friends wherever he went and maintained genuine connections with many of them for decades.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Jackson Taylor Memorial fund
Venmo: @Jackson-Taylor-Memorial or mail to JTM/ P.O. Box 22/ Floydada, TX 79235 or Santa Barbara Trail Riders Association/ PO Box 3011/ Santa Barbara, CA 93130