Merrell Lee Gilbert

Merrell Lee Gilbert, 86 of Amarillo, TX passed away on August 8, 2025.

Services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, August 15, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Merrell was born in Sherman, TX on July 17, 1939 to Clyde and Dorthy Gilbert. He was raised in Sherman until age 6 and then moved to Amarillo where he spent most of his life.

Merrell accepted Jesus as his savior at age 14 and dedicated his life to the ministry and serving others. Merrell graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1956. After high school, Merrell led the music programs at various churches before joining the Marines in 1961. Following his service in the military, Merrell continued to work at various churches until joining the Amarillo Police Department in 1972. Merrell served in the Amarillo Police Department until he retired in 1998.

Merrell was married to Doris June Gilbert on March 13, 1993. After retirement, both Merrell and Doris became volunteer chaplains for local law enforcement agencies. They soon established their chaplaincy and called it Cross and Badge Ministry. Together, they served the Department of Public Safety, Randall County Sheriff’s Department, and the Amarillo Police Department. One of their passions was serving in the jail ministry every Sunday at the Randall County Jail. They also assisted other law-enforcement agencies outside the Texas Panhandle in establishing their own chaplaincy and volunteer programs.

In addition to his public service and volunteer work, Merrell attained his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree and taught political science at Amarillo College for several years. He was an avid fan of gospel music and in his later years took guitar lessons so he could sing and play for veterans in the nursing home. Most of all Merrell enjoyed spending time with his family, watching classic western movies, and spreading the gospel of Jesus whenever the opportunity presented itself.

He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Gilbert and grandson Bradley Gilbert.

He is survived by his sons, Kirk Gilbert and wife Joy of Claude, Kent Gilbert and wife Dr Kimberly Gilbert of Amarillo; seven of Doris’ children; sisters Bonnie Green and husband Olen, Darlene Fields and brother Michael McNully. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.