Thomas Merritt

Thomas L. Merritt
March 15, 1926 – April 15, 2007
Thomas L. Merritt, 81, a retired Electronic Technician and former owner of Merritt Repair Service of Lorena passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at his residence. Memorial services will be 2 pm Saturday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. Visitation will follow the memorial service.
Mr. Merritt was born March 15, 1926 in Waco to Annie and Lee Merritt. He was educated in Waco Public Schools and left to join the United States Navy during World War II. He often said that all his friends were joining some branch of the Armed Forces and he didn't want to be left behind. He served aboard several ships in the South Pacific area and sailed to ports in Korea, Hawaii and several South Pacific Islands. Several times his ships were torpedoed by the Japanese and he spent a number of days in a life boat in the South Pacific before being rescued. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Tom studied Electronics becoming an Electronic Technician. He was employed in Waco for many years continuing his education in Electronics and specialized in repair and installation of Automobile Radio. Tom had a reputation in McLennan and surrounding counties of being the best technician in diagnosing and repairing automobile radios and a large number of automobile dealers brought their radios to Tom. He later established Merritt Repair Service in Woodway specializing in radio repairs.
Tom and his wife Bernita, Bernie as he called her, were married on April 27, 1972 and had 35 years of much happiness.
For many years Tom was a licensed Ham Radio Operator and was active in Ham Radio Clubs serving as Treasurer of a club in Hillsboro. Following his retirement from his business, Tom and his wife Bernita traveled extensively. They had a lot of fun during their retirement years. Later Tom became a computer buff and enjoyed creating beautiful cards for all occasions and sending them to his many friends. He actively supported the Waco Animal Shelter, Fuzzy Friends rescue; Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery and the Greyhound Rescue in Hillsboro. He recently received a plaque and pin for being a 50 year member of Texas A.M. & F.M. Masonic Lodge.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, a niece and four very much loved pets.
Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Bernita; his niece, Norma Jo McKenzie and husband John of China Spring; great niece, Anna Michelle McKenzie of Bethel Island, CA; grandson and granddaughter; two great grand children; a daughter and son. Extended family Robin Ruth, Carole and George Bartasek, Connie Busby, Jeremy Kirkpatric, James and Teresa Kirkpatrick, Linda Espin, Debbie Horton, Tommy Murphy, Sue Swaner, Lana Tepfer, Roy Costello, Juanita Suarez, Kris Charping, Chris and Carmen Rosser, Jenny and Jerry Snider, Poppy Patterson, Esther Niecey, Frank Reinhardt, and Donna Ygelcias, and many other close friends.
In lieu of floweres please send memorials to any of the following; Hillcrest Community Hospice; Fuzzy Friends Rescue, Inc., Waco Animal Shelter; or Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery c/o Jesse Perez, 3021 Fadal. Waco, Tx 76708.
Special thanks to Dr. Herman Poteet and Dr. Rafael Perez.