In Memory of

Merle Orvan Pershall, AKA Grandpa Mershall

Merle Orvan Pershall went to be home with his Savior on October 20, 2025, just short of his 90th birthday. Born November 21, 1935, to Robert Dean and Della Pershall in Clay Center, KS, he was the 9th of 13 siblings. His family later moved to Clovis, NM where he met Shirley Watts, who lived in neighboring Portales on her parents' dairy farm. Dad loved the fresh whipped cream they had with their desserts! They were married on June 6, 1954. Dad worked in Clovis at Brooks Country Store. They moved to Bethany, OK where Dad attended Bethany Peniel College. He went to work at Yellow Transit part time as a dock hand, then became a city driver before transitioning to the office as Operations Manager. During this time, 4 children were born and raised. He spent 37 years at Yellow and then retired but soon went back to driving a truck short haul. He loved driving!

Dad was a faithful member, deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church of Bethany. He was the first person to be baptized in the "new" (now old) auditorium that is currently on the south side of the church. He enjoyed OU football, the mountains, beaches, building fires and traveling. Did we mention he liked to drive?! He was also a collector of things, rocks, shells, wood. And he loved taking pictures of flowers!

Dad was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 55 years; his son-in-law, Weldon; and his youngest son, Kevin. He is survived by 3 children, sons, Neil and Beth Pershall, Gary and Aletha Pershall, and daughter, Sandra Sneed; daughter-in-law, Cara Pershall; 8 grandchildren, Benton, Chris, Katie, Linde, Kyle, Niki, Kody and Brenna; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Vera, Forest and Patti; and numerous extended family members. Thanks to all the staff of The Mansions at Waterford and Valir Hospice for their care of Dad.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams is Wednesday, 12-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 10:30am, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 450, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or by clicking the link below.