Jimmie D. "Jim" Merritt

Jimmie "Jim" D. Merritt, age 91, of El Reno, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. He was born March 11, 1933 in Oklahoma City to Cleo "Bill" and Ruth (Gamble) Merritt. Jim graduated from Putnum City High School in May, 1951.
Jim attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and earned his degree in Mortuary Science graduating in 1953. His very close life-long friend was Harold Eisenhour, a classmate.
Jim served in the Army as a Field Radio Repairman, 1st Sig Co 1st Inf Div during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in November, 1955 and served in the Army Reserves for 8 years.
After serving in the Army, Jim worked alongside his father for many years at the family-owned funeral home in Bethany, Oklahoma, Bill Merritt Funeral Home. After the sale of the funeral home, Jim enjoyed driving an 18-wheeler from the east coast to the west coast for several trucking companies.
Jim was very involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was the Commander of V.F.W. Post 9265 in 1987. He also enjoyed the various activities, fellowships, and many dinners at Elks Lodge Number 417.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Cindy. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Merritt Furry (Gordon) of Oklahoma City; son, Curt Lynn Merritt (Tammie) of Edmond, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family wants to thank the staff at St. Ann Skilled Nursing for providing comfort to Jim during his final days. They also want to thank the wonderful and loving caregivers from Russell-Murray Hospice in El Reno who provided Jim with tremendous care and compassion this past year. Each of you truly are Angels on Earth.
There will be a graveside service on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery 7801 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City.