John David Merryman

John David Merryman passed away March 4, 2023. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30, prior to the service. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

John was born September 30, 1941, to John W. Merryman and Hazel Ethel Brickell in Black Oak, Arkansas. He grew up in Killeen, Texas, and finished school in Schertz, Texas, where he met the love of his youth, Bobbie Scott. He graduated from Abilene Christian College in 1963. That same year, he began working for Kresge Corporation, later to be called K-Mart in San Antonio, and got married to Bobbie that summer. He moved around with the company to Houston, Dallas, Kentucky, Florida, and back to Houston. His two sons, David Lee and Darrell Wayne were born in 1966 and 1970. He went from the stock room of K-Mart to store manager, to being district manager for this company that he loved. Then in 1989, Bobbie passed away following surgery.

Two years later, John was introduced to Jeri, who he married in 1991. Thus began another journey for John. The couple got into the Egyptian Arabian horse business: breeding, showing, and selling horses around the world. They made many friends and went places they never would have gotten to go otherwise.

In 1978, John was diagnosed with MS. It was in remission for many years, but in 1996, it reappeared. He had to retire from K-Mart and went from using a cane, to a walker, to a wheelchair, and finally to a motorized chair. But his spirit stayed good, and he kept going.

John and Jeri relocated from Houston to Waco to be near the horse farm, Arabians LTD. They enjoyed many socials, seminars, and activities at the farm. They also knew they wanted to find a church home in Waco. The missionary that came to their church in Houston was involved with Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, so that is where John and Jeri joined. John was a volunteer administrator while his health allowed; he ran the sound board; and always greeted new people with a huge smile. He loved the music at the church and the microphoned singers that enhanced the singing.

John’s loves were God and his Bible, family, home, flowers, horses, football (the Dallas Cowboys), basketball (Baylor men’s and women’s), John Wayne movies, and music (country and southern gospel).

No one would ever know how much John hurt because he always greeted everyone with a big smile and love.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Bobbie.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jeri; his sons, David and Darrell; grandson, Michael; two sisters, Nelta Conrad and Melba Smith; nieces, Vanessa Small and Linda Sweet; and a nephew, Boby Bartay.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.