W.T. "Dubs" Merrell

W. T. "Dubs" Merrell age 81, of Purcell, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2018 at his home. He was born on September 3, 1936, in the community of Dare, in McClain County. He was the third of four children born to Arthur William Merrell and Ticia (Freeman) Merrell. Dubs grew up in the Purcell area and attended Purcell High School. On Sept. 26, 1953, he married the love of his life, Patsy Jane Harlan. Together they raised two children, a son Jerry and a daughter, Dyan. Dubs retired after thirty four years from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as the Assistant Division Engineer for the OKC Division. Dubs' retirement was interrupted by the collapse of the Webbers Falls I-40 Bridge. ODOT director Gary Ridley called on a group of retired engineers to oversee the repair of the bridge. Dubs answered the call and this group referred to as "The Space Cowboys" oversaw a record setting project that reopened I-40 in one third the expected time. Later, he continued to work for engineering firms for many more years. Dubs was a member of the Purcell Masonic Lodge and a member of the Goldsby Baptist Church. He was an avid Sooner Fan and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and watching his grandchildren's activities. He is preceded in death by: Parents: Arthur and Ticia Merrell Sister: Patsy Vassar. He is survived by: Wife: Patsy Merrell of the home Son: Jerry Merrell and wife Sherri of Purcell Daughter: Dyan Whatley of Purcell Brothers: Wiley Merrell and wife Jo of Eufaula Bill Merrell and wife Sharla of NormanSisters-in-law: Peggy Cunningham of Purcell Jean Harlan of Purcell Linda Marsh of Duncan Grandchildren: Malinda Hillis and husband Mike Sanderson of Crescent Amy Hyde and husband Bronson of Goldsby Jarrod Tarp of Norman Kevin Whatley of Sallisaw Brooke Wilk and husband Tim of Washington Michael Whatley of Norman Ten great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, July 2, 2018, at the Goldsby Baptist Church in Goldsby, OK. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Home. Funeral services are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

W.T. "Dubs" Merrell

September 3, 1936 - June 28, 2018