Mr. Merkle Russell, 83, of Beaumont, Texas passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 in Beaumont, Texas.

The Celebration Services for Mr. Russell will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday , December 22, 2022 at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church (710 IH-10 East - Beaumont, Texas 77701) with burial Service to follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas under the direction of Mercy Funeral Home. A public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Mercy Funeral Home Chapel and visitation on Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the church, with the practice of social distancing and facial masks required.

Merkle's Life Story

Merkle Charles Russell was born August 26, 1939 to the late Clarence Russell and Hilda Edna Russell in Beaumont, Texas.

Merkle was a graduate of Charlton Pollard High School class of 1958. He was a veteran of the United States Army, in which he was inducted in October of 1960 and ended with an honorable discharge in October of 1966. He was employed at Mobil Oil in Beaumont, Texas for over thirty years. He was married to Olivia Russell for over forty years.

He was a member of Mount Gilead Baptist Church in which he served as a deacon. He was ultimately recognized as deacon emeritus for his commitment to Christ.

Merkle was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Hilda Eaglin and Mary Mayfield, and two brothers, Hancel Russell and Joseph Russell.

Merkle's loving memories will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Olivia Russell; his three daughters Donna (Charlie), Tammy (Patrick), and Brandi (Dimitri); and brother, Clarence Russell (Betty). He has one sister-in-law, Diane Duriso and four brother-in-laws, Joseph "Sonny" Williams, Tim Duriso (Laura), Paul Duriso, and Tudy Duriso; His grandkids, Devin Jamai and Damond Sebile, Patrick Webb, Jr., Zai and Indi Lott; and a host of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.