Dewey Frank Merriman was born in Elsa, Texas on June 3, 1927 to John and Katie Merriman.  He passed from this life on July 16, 2024 surrounded by family.  He is survived by his daughter Janet Monson of Kenedy and his son Ward (Patsy) Merriman of Denton, Texas. Grandchildren Andrea (Greg) Bell, Katie Hutcherson, Brad (Rachel) Merriman, Jason (Jana) Maddox, Kevin Auston, Misti (Mark) Janese.  Great grandchildren Ashley, Shelby, Paul, Logan, Noah, Mykalla, Simon, Carleigh, Ella, Emma, Hunter, Dylan, Peyton, Wyatt.  Great, Great Grandchildren James, Willow and Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Elwanda Merriman and his second wife Geneva Merriman, son Weldon Merriman, daughter JoAnn Merriman, Grandson, Clint Maddox, son -in-law Ed Monson, brothers Ward, Carl, and Floyd and sister Winnefred.  Dewey grew up in the Rio Grande Valley.  He joined the Navy at age 17 and proudly served on the USS Cabot during WWII.  Upon leaving the Navy, Dewey returned to the Elsa area and married Elwanda Brown and they raised four children together.  Over the years Dewey drove heavy machinery and cleared brush, was briefly a sharecropper, went to work for a crop dusting service and eventually became a pilot for them until his retirement.  Dewey also served as a Sharyland ISD school board member and had the honor of presenting high school diplomas to all four of his children.  Dewey enjoyed flying his own private plane and also traveling around the US and several foreign countries.  Most important to Dewey was his family.  He loved them all dearly took great pride in each and cherished the times spent with them and sharing memories of his past.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1PM with Services at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wally Schievelbein officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Elim Cemetery in Elim, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Jason Maddox, Brad Merriman, Kevin Austin, Logan childs, Noah Maddox, Simon Merriman, Greg Bell, Wyatt Janese and Hunter Maddox.

Memorials may be made to the Elim Cemetery Church Cemetery Foundation.