Today we say goodbye to the most amazing, kind, and loving father, husband, brother, uncle and grandfather that anyone could ask for. Merrell Waddell spent his last days exactly where he wanted to be, in his earthly paradise, until he passed to his heavenly paradise, being constantly loved with his family by his side. Our love for him was unmeasurable, but the choirs and musicians in Heaven are rejoicing upon his arrival because they have never heard music like his before!
Merrell Elkin Waddell was born to Elkin Waddell Jr. and Idell Roberts Waddell on the Waddell Ranch, “The Homeplace”, in Menard, Texas on March 18th, 1931. He attended Menard High School, and shortly thereafter, joined the U.S. Air Force in the summer of 1950. He served in the Korean War and returned home in 1953 as the war ended.
Merrell loved music from a young age. He would stand on apple crates to peer into beer joints where musicians played at as young as seven years old. He taught himself how to play the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and piano. As an adult, Merrell played at many venues around Menard, Junction, and London for various bands such as Concho Valley Sound and was even a disc jockey at the Junction Radio Station. He had so many wonderful stories about this part of his life. One of my favorites was when he was asked to play for Johnny Horton. He was only supposed to be a stand in for an absent guitarist, but they loved his playing so much they asked him to play on the “Louisiana Hayride” radio program. He turned down the opportunity and the $10 dollars they offered. Still, music would be a constant throughout his memorable life.
Another constant in his life was his wife of 56 years, June Gideon. June and Merrell met when they both worked at the police station. After the Korean War, Merrell moved from Menard to San Angelo where he became a motorcycle patrolman and funeral home escort for the Harper’s at Johnson’s Funeral Home. June worked as a switch board operator and they were set up by mutual friends. She instantly fell in love with Merrell’s kind nature and deep blue eyes. Together they had three children; Kim, Karla, and Kerry. Merrell loved his family and would do anything for them. This was especially true for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After his time of nine years on the San Angelo Police Force, Merrell worked for Ethicon and remained there until his retirement in 2001. He continued his work of rebuilding guitars and amplifiers for various musicians and Tarpley Music. At one point he was the only certified Marshall Amplifier Repair Man in West Texas. Faith was also a big part of his life. From 2012, you would often find him at The San Angelo Cowboy Church, listening to Jay Johnson’s sermons and playing for the congregation. His time there brought him closer to the Lord and was a source of inspiration later in his life. Another favorite spot of Merrell’s was strumming at The Chicken Farm Art Center.
Merrell leaves a legacy of family and close friends. He is remembered as a selfless hardworking family man who loved his community. From those who knew him well, or even for a short time, he will be missed and remembered fondly.
Merrell was preceded in death by his grandparents Elkin “Babe” Waddell and Catherine Reeves Waddell and James Volney Roberts and Lillie May Henderson Roberts. Parents, Elkin and Idell Waddell, brother Jim Waddell and his wife, Lilo Waddell and brother Scott Waddell, brothers-in-law Don McKamie, Charles Max Gideon, and Louis Lee. Mother and father in law Alton and Mildred Gideon and dear friends Ronald B Bailey “Lucky” and his wife Mary Bailey.
He is survived by his wife, June Catherine Gideon Waddell, and his children; Kimberly Waddell of San Angelo, Karla Waddell (Dan) of Miles, and Kerry Waddell (Kelly) of San Angelo and stepson Richard Doggett (Terri) of Elgin.
Grandchildren Kevin Waddell of San Angelo, Tiffany Furneaux (Gordon) of Houston, Rachel Whatley (Doug) of Wichita Falls, Brett Deans of San Angelo, and Francis Waddell of San Angelo.
Great grandchildren, Danny and Shanell, Conner and Erin, Constance, Trinity, and Jacobi.
Siblings, Mary McKamie of San Angelo, Nancy Cook (Marvin) of Carlsbad, and sisters in law Judy Waddell and Sharon Lee of San Angelo.
Nieces and Nephews, David Cook, Linda McKamie, Suzanne Parkin (Michael), Karena Waddell, Leslie Loehr (Jimmy), Shellie Gothard (Courtney), Tim Lee (Laura), Mike Gideon (Susan), Don Gideon, and Kathy Staessens.
The funeral service for Merrrell will be held at The San Angelo Cowboy Church, located at 4015 N. Chadbourne St. in San Angelo, Texas on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 11:00AM.
A special thank you to Hospice of San Angelo for their compassionate care, as well as Shannon Hospital, specifically Dr. Roberta Hinshaw and her nurse Theresa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Meals for the Elderly of San Angelo. http://www.MealsForTheElderly.org/
Come to me,
all who labor,
and are heavy laden,
& I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28
Funeral Service
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
11:00AM
San Angelo Cowboy Church
4015 N. Chadbourne St.
San Angelo, TX 76903
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