Patrick Henry Merrill

Patrick Henry Merrill, 79, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away on January 30, 2024. He was born July 6, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas. After graduating from Ripley Oklahoma High School, and attending a semester at Oklahoma State University (OSU), he served six years active duty in the United States Navy, serving aboard a destroyer and aircraft squadrons at NAS North Island, San Diego, CA.  When he was discharged as a Petty Officer First Class, he returned to OSU to complete his Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Radio & Television Broadcasting and a minor in Business, before settling in the Dallas, Texas area.   

Pat served thirty-two years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain in 2002.  He formed his own medical sales business, Merrill Medical, Inc., which he ran successfully for 20 years. Pat retired in 1996 to devote more time to the Navy during increased demands for worldwide intelligence. Pat served in support of Vietnam, The Cold War, Bosnia and Kosovo, Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism, and Enduring Freedom. His military awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star for two awards), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with gold star for two awards), and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Award. Pat served as a board member and president of HOPE Clinic, board member of C.F. Chefs, Inc., President and Chairman of a national organization of retired Navy Intelligence professionals, board member of Rotary Club, Elder of CPC, and Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. One of his favorite activities has been being involved with community business activities as a board member with Citizens National Bank.  

Pat met Jan in 1989 and they enjoyed the best and most loving years of their lives since that time.  He learned the understanding of true love, mutual respect, spiritual growth, sharing, and family support after developing his relationship with Jan. His favorite hobbies included traveling, flying airplanes, riding motorcycles, sailing, and motor home trips.  His favorite activities involved spending time with Jan, family, and friends.  

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Violet Merrill, and his daughter Carrie Attalla. He is survived by his wife Jan Merrill, his brother Jim Merrill, his daughters Cindy Merrill and Heather Merrill, his sons Heath Jackson and John Powell, his daughter-in-law Denise Jackson, his son-in-law Todd Attalla, and his beloved 10 grandchildren (Harley, Ashley, Tristan, Avery, Austyn, Maci, Ethan, Aiden, Lillie, and Addy) and 2 great-grandchildren (Kynsleigh and Nolan). 

The Visitation Service will be held at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, located at 1826 US 287 Business, Waxahachie, Texas 75165, on February 8, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, located at 505 W. Marvin Avenue, Waxahachie, Texas 75165, on February 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Pat, please choose the one that is closest to your heart. Pat will be interred, with full military honors, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date.