Merrell Williams

Merrell was one of ten children, raised on a dairy farm in rural Oklahoma and went to a one room schoolhouse. He lived through the great depression and the Oklahoma dust bowl. He reminisced fondly of his parents, siblings and of his life in Oklahoma. Merrell moved to California in 1942 looking for work then his parents and some of his siblings followed. There Merrell met the love of his life, Jo Helen Dewey, also from Minco OK.  They married November 14, 1947, and were married seventy-six years.  

Merrell served in the U.S. Army during WW2.  He served in the Army of Occupation in South Korea with the rank of Sargent. He served with the 1091st Engineer Utility Detachment and was in charge of the carpenter shop and jobs concerned with building and maintenance of structures on post. He was a proud American and was honored to serve his country.

Merrell's parents were committed Christians and were a good example to him. When he was ten years old, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.   Merrell felt the call to become a pastor in 1950.  Merrell founded the Central Baptist Church in Inglewood CA.  The church purchased property and built the church building that remains there today.  Merrell served there as their pastor for fourteen years then pastored or was an associate pastor at other churches in the Southern California area.  Merrell was a bi-vocation pastor serving as pastor and working for National Tank Corporation based in Huntington Park, CA as a boilermaker for over twenty years.  He was a very hardworking man.  After retiring he continually served as adult Bible teacher in Sunday school.  He had perfect church attendance for over sixty-four years without missing a Sunday.

Merrell was the most loving person.  He loved his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, loved his wife and family.  He always prayed for each of his family, wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by name. However, in his last year or so he needed help remembering names.   He loved the church that he served and just loved people.  He never met a stranger, always willing to help.

2 Timothy 4:7-8  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only but unto all them also that love His appearing."
 
Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn 4471 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA 90630. Funeral services will be on Saturday 06/15/2024 in the Hope Chapel. Viewing will be at 8:30 AM-10:30AM. Celebration of his life will be from 11:00AM-12:00PM.  Interment will follow the services.  Military honors will be presented at the gravesite.