Darrell Merrell

Darrell Glen Merrell was born October 18, 1939, at Jenks, Oklahoma to Dan Edward and Margaret Louise Merrell and departed this life on April 24, 2008. The youngest of four children, Darrell graduated Jenks High School in 1957. Darrell went on to receive a B.A. in History from OU. Darrell's early careers included Stock Broker, Trust Officer, "The Doughnut Man" and primary care provider for his mother and sister. Always an avid reader of history with a book collection in the thousands Darrell sold books at the Tulsa flea market. Darrell found comfort in returning to the land while caring for his mother and sister. He read about the history of the heirloom tomato and was determined to grow them. He began selling the tomato plants at the Tulsa Flea Market and from "the ol' homeplace". Over the years, The Tomato Man was featured on local and international television and appeared in many print articles. Darrell is survived by daughter Lisa Merrell and companion Lisa "Bibi" Becklund of Bristow son Steve Urban and wife Rubin of Houston, Texas son Mark Bonney of Muskogee and husband Philip Au of Toronto, Canada daughter Pam Smitherman and husband Jason of Edmond, grandchildren Emily, Luke, Elizabeth and Sam brother Rondal G. Merrell and wife Betty of Forney, Texas special nieces Celeste "Scooter" McLean and Andrea L. Chase and, numerous family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents brother Kenneth J. Merrell and wife Barbara Jean of Mobile, Alabama and sister Virginia Chase of Jenks. In memory of Darrell, to support his desire to educate others and out of concern for the environment the family requests that no flowers be sent. To honor Darrell you may make donations to Global Gardens Tomato Man Memorial Fund, c/o Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale Avenue, #600, Tulsa, OK 74136. A public celebration of Darrell's life will be held May 8, 2008, at 11:00 o'clock a.m. at the Tulsa Garden Center.