Merritt Lee Nevland

Merritt Lee NevlandDec 1, 1935 - October 11, 2025
On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, Merritt Lee Nevland, age 89, was called home to be with Jesus-joining his beloved wife, Donna, in heaven at 11:11 PM on what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary.
Born on December 1st, 1935, in Detroit, MI, Lee lived a full and faith-filled life across Michigan, New York, and Texas.
After graduating from the Lawrence Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Lee began his career at Chrysler Corporation before moving to Vought Missiles, which eventually became Lockheed Martin Fire Control. There, he received a special recognition award for outstanding support and dedication provided to the Army TACMS II Redesign and Qualification effort. He also made major contributions to the PAC-3 Missile Program (Patriot Missile). Lee took great pride in his work and was always eager to share about the system's success and deployment in Israel. He was, in every sense, a true rocket scientist.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lee's heart was devoted to serving the Lord. Taking a leave of absence from his engineering career, he once moved his family to Elim Bible Institute, where he created the tape recording ministry. Beginning in 1977, Lee faithfully attended Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas (which later became Gateway Grand Prairie). There he served in many capacities-on the sound board, building sets for dramas and musical performances, singing tenor in the choir, and even serving in the clown ministry. His final service at Gateway Church was on October 5, 2025.
Lee was an engineer through and through-a gifted tinkerer, creator, and problem solver. He devised creative solutions for nearly every challenge: from designing a ceiling-mounted TV lift to building custom cabinetry and even experimenting with hydrogen fusion in his car. He was always ready to help family and friends with repairs, renovations, or inventive projects of his own.
In his leisure time, Lee enjoyed model trains, crafting a railway in his study that reflected the countryside of Israel. He was also a lifelong baseball fan, having pitched in high school for his Boy Scout troop, and loved sailing, a passion likely influenced by his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve. A quiet man with a sharp wit, Lee also expressed his creativity through poetry and cherished making others smile.
Lee was preceded in death by his father, Merritt (Mac) his mother, Leonora, and his cherished wife, Donna.
He is survived by four children, fourteen grandchildren including Sam Schulze, and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of faith, ingenuity, and love.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday November 13th, 10AM, at Gateway Grand Prairie, 2404 N Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. The family requests that all flowers and notes be sent to the church.