Jack R. Merrick

Funeral services for Jack R. Merrick, 97, of Gainesville, are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday, October 22, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville with Rev. John Fleming officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.  No visitation is planned.  Arrangements are under the care of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Mr. Merrick passed away October 18, 2018 in Muenster.

Jack was born May 7, 1921 in Strawn, TX to Fred R. and Tennie C. Merrick.  He graduated from Newsome Dougherty Memorial High School (GHS) in 1938, attended Gainesville Texas Junior College (NCTC), and the University of Texas at Austin.  Mr. Merrick graduated from the Civilian Pilot Training Program and received his private pilot’s license in May 1940.  He served as a glider pilot during World War II with the US Army Air Forces and was assigned to the 84 TC Squadron of the 437th Troup Carrier Group.  As a glider pilot, Mr. Merrick participated in D-Day, Dragoon, and Market Garden.  He married Mary C. Brown on January 29, 1947 and they settled in Gainesville in 1955 where he was a State Farm Insurance agent until his retirement in 1992 .  Mr. and Mrs. Merrick were long-time members of First United Methodist Church in Gainesville.

Survivors include: sons Richard Merrick and Stephen Merrick of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and George Bryant of Gainesville; and granddaughters Sarah Bryant of Denton and Amanda (Josh) Culp of Boise, ID.  He is also survived by three great-grandchildren of Denton: Tristan, Caden, and Caleb.

Mr. Merrick was preceded in death by: wife Mary Merrick on January 1, 2006; his parents; one sister; and three brothers.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church Music Fund, 214 S Denton St, Gainesville, TX 76240; or Silent Wings Museum, 6202 N Interstate 27, Lubbock, TX 79403.