Jerry Merrell

Jerry W. Merrell, a loving, adventurous, and generous man, was born on June 10, 1940, in Dawson, Texas, and passed away on April 27, 2023, in Killeen, Texas.

A memorial service for Jerry will be 2 PM Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Crotty Funeral Home with H.K. Ballard officiating.

Jerry was a dedicated teacher and coach, working with numerous school systems throughout his career, with Killeen Independent School District being his home before his retirement. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Belton, Texas, where he contributed to the community through his involvement in various charitable activities. An avid outdoorsman, Jerry loved hunting, fishing, and being around animals. He was also a skilled water skier, and his passion for the water was evident from an early age. As the saying goes, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime". Jerry not only lived by this proverb but also shared his love for fishing and the outdoors with his family and friends, creating lifelong memories for all who were fortunate enough to join him.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Darrelyn (Harshbarger) Merrell, whom he married on December 20, 1996, in Killeen, Texas; his daughter, Lindsay Spore of Lampasas, Texas; his twin sister, Barbara Threadgill; and three grandsons.

As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Jerry's generosity knew no bounds. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to those in need. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, and his warm, infectious smile could light up any room. Jerry's love for his family was unwavering, and he took great pride in watching his daughter and grandsons grow and succeed in their own endeavors.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "It is not the length of life, but the depth." Jerry W. Merrell's life was one of depth and meaning, filled with love, adventure, and generosity. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his spirit will forever live on in the memories and hearts of those he touched.