Wiley D. Merrell

Wiley Dean Merrell, 91, of Muskogee, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. He was born on August 22, 1931 to Arthur Merrell and Ticia (Freeman) Merrell in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Wiley was a high school graduate from Purcell High School. He married the love of his life Jo Avalon Ward, on November 25, 1949 in Purcell, Oklahoma. They shared over 72 years of marriage, life and many memories together. Wiley worked in the oilfield industry as a roughneck in his younger years and a salesman until he retired around 1995. He faithfully served as a deacon at North Fork Baptist Church visiting the sick and addressing the needs of widows and others. Wiley was an avid golfer and loved watching college sports especially football, leaning heavy towards OSU. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement with his wife by his side at the lake. He proudly owned and operated their boat storage business on Texanna Road. Wiley loved his family very much and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Wiley was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ticia Merrell; sons, Gary Merrell and Marty Merrell; brother, W.T. Merrell; sister, Pat Vassar; and granddaughter, Ticia Merrell. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Avalon Merrell of Muskogee, OK; children, Janet Merrell Griffin and husband Stan of Rock Port, MO; and Tommy Joe Merrell and companion Peggy of Checotah, OK; brother, William Merrell and wife Sharla of Norman, OK; sister-in-law, Patsy Merrell of Goldsby, OK; grandchildren, Michelle Tibbs of Oklahoma City, OK; Michael Dykstra and wife Kumi of Shawnee, OK; Larissa Herrera and husband Josh of Edmond, OK; Becky Merrell of Oklahoma City, OK; Mindy-Ann Cornell and husband Aaron of Moore, OK; Wiley Merrell of Superior, AZ; Tom Martin Merrell of Checotah, OK; Ryan Griffin and wife Anne of Columbia, MO; Aaron Griffin and wife Whitney of Jefferson City, MO; Kathryn Griffin of Washington D.C.; Regan Griffin and wife Sheila of Rock Port, MO; many great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends. Per Wiley’s wishes he has been cremated, and his last resting place will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, Oklahoma. A celebration of Wiley’s life will be 2PM, Friday, September 23, 2022 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eric Fletcher officiating. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematory, 1830 N York St Muskogee, OK 74403. Condolences can be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.

Wiley D. Merrell

August 22, 1931 - September 20, 2022