Obituary for David Merkel
A celebration of the life of David Merkel, 67, of Athens, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home, with Cliff Brunson officiating.
Mr. Merkel passed away on February 2, 2023, in Athens.
David Merkel was born on May 19, 1955, in Denton, Texas, the son of Bobby Merkel and Doris Faye (Basham) Davis. He was a member of the Lake Athens Baptist Church and worked as a biomedical technician for 35 years at various hospitals all over Texas. David loved boating, fishing, and traveling in his RV, and he could often be found sitting in his rocking chair on the back porch. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially those who called him “Papa,” and loved doing whatever the grandkids did. If he ever thought someone might be slightly out of line, he’d be sure to let them know he’d give them the “iron claw” and set them straight! David’s legacy as a son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend will live forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sherry Raye McNeil; his brother, Ricky Neal Merkel; and his maternal grandparents, Raymond D. and Lora Faye Basham.
Survivors include his wife, Alexia Merkel of Athens; his children, Lauren Michelle Sulak and husband Brandon of Hillsboro, Kristi Sherwood and husband Michael of Tyler; his siblings, Larry Wayne Merkel and wife Norma of Hillsboro, Becky Faye Hornsby and husband Thomas of Hillsboro, Donald Glen Merkel and wife Eva of Waco; his half-sister, Roxie Goldsmith and husband Steve of Scurry; his half brother, Charles Davis of Port Aransas; brother-in-law, Ronnie McNeil; sister-in-law, Robin Merkel; his grandchildren, Garrett Sulak, Emma Spigener, Sara Spigener, Alex Sherwood, and Natalie Sherwood; and his number one dog, Rascal.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 2-3:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athens Animal Rescue Shelter, 901 W College St., Athens, Texas 75751.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.
Mr. Merkel passed away on February 2, 2023, in Athens.
David Merkel was born on May 19, 1955, in Denton, Texas, the son of Bobby Merkel and Doris Faye (Basham) Davis. He was a member of the Lake Athens Baptist Church and worked as a biomedical technician for 35 years at various hospitals all over Texas. David loved boating, fishing, and traveling in his RV, and he could often be found sitting in his rocking chair on the back porch. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially those who called him “Papa,” and loved doing whatever the grandkids did. If he ever thought someone might be slightly out of line, he’d be sure to let them know he’d give them the “iron claw” and set them straight! David’s legacy as a son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend will live forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sherry Raye McNeil; his brother, Ricky Neal Merkel; and his maternal grandparents, Raymond D. and Lora Faye Basham.
Survivors include his wife, Alexia Merkel of Athens; his children, Lauren Michelle Sulak and husband Brandon of Hillsboro, Kristi Sherwood and husband Michael of Tyler; his siblings, Larry Wayne Merkel and wife Norma of Hillsboro, Becky Faye Hornsby and husband Thomas of Hillsboro, Donald Glen Merkel and wife Eva of Waco; his half-sister, Roxie Goldsmith and husband Steve of Scurry; his half brother, Charles Davis of Port Aransas; brother-in-law, Ronnie McNeil; sister-in-law, Robin Merkel; his grandchildren, Garrett Sulak, Emma Spigener, Sara Spigener, Alex Sherwood, and Natalie Sherwood; and his number one dog, Rascal.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 2-3:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athens Animal Rescue Shelter, 901 W College St., Athens, Texas 75751.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.