OTIS MERRITT JR.

Otis Merritt Jr. was born June 26, 1955, in Houston County to Otis Merritt Sr. and Lizzie Merritt.  Otis attended Crockett High School.  Otis was employed by Texas Department of Corrections and Houston County Sheriff Department, and he retired from both agencies.

Otis accepted Christ and was a faithful member of Faith Tabernacle in Palestine under the leadership of Bishop Carlos Daniels.

Otis loved deer hunting, fishing, loved to cook and always sharing with family and friends.

Otis will be joined in heaven by his father, Otis Merritt Sr.;  a brother, Larry Merritt; daughter, Shaniqua Merritt Lewis; and a grandson, Reginald Wheeler Jr.   

Otis leaves to cherish memories, his mother, Lizzie Merritt; daughters, Kimberly Merritt, Telisa Merritt and Rylie Merritt; sons, DeAndre Merritt and Ryan Merritt; brothers, Willie (Shanda) Merritt, James (Sandra) Merritt, Bobby (Kathy) Merritt, Jimmy (Helen) Merritt and Johnny Merritt; sisters, Joyce (Mike) Jackson, Theresa (Derek) Swanson and Diana (Terry) Bagley; grandson, Joshua Wheeler; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  

A memorial service was held at noon Saturday, Aug. 31, at New Hope Church in Kennard.

Arrangements and service entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.