Lakewood Funeral Chapel
98 North Dixie Drive
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
5:00pm - 7:30pm
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John Dudley Merritt, Jr.

of Lake Jackson, TX

March 10, 1947 - September 26, 2022


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
John D. Merritt, Jr. passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the age of 75. He was born on March 10, 1947, in Wilmington, NC. Johnny grew up in Freeport, Texas, and graduated from Brazosport High School in 1965. After high school, he joined the military to serve our country in the United States Army. Post military, he continued his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Johnny pursued a career in education while following his passion for health, fitness, and athletics, becoming a coach.

Coach Merritt worked for several schools, including Clute and Lake Jackson Intermediate, Albright Middle School, and Livingston High School, but his time coaching varsity football and track at Alief Hastings High School was the most special to him. He cherished his lifelong connections with past players and was proud of the men they had become.

Johnny married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sue Taylor. After high school, the two went their separate ways. During a military leave of absence, Johnny returned home for a weekend, saw Sue out on the town, and had a note sent to her on a napkin that read, "I have never stopped loving you". The rest is history.

Johnny and Sue had two boys, Scott and Michael. He dedicated his life to those boys spending countless hours hunting, fishing, exercising, and practicing baseball. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing to spend time with the boys. Johnny also had a beloved golden retriever named Sadie. If you've known Johnny over the past 10 years, then you also know Sadie. She was his sidekick, walking buddy, camping excursion partner, and even his golf caddie.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father, John Merritt, and his mother, Willie May Rice-West.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Taylor Merritt, son, Scott Merritt and daughter-in-law, Jeannette Merritt, son, Michael Merritt and daughter-in-love, Tisha Obregon, grandchildren, Preston Merritt and Anne-Marie Merritt, sister, Louise McNally, and brother, Marty Merritt.

Johnny's legacy stretches beyond his family, having coached and mentored hundreds of student-athletes over his 27-year career, but his ultimate legacy is the strength of the family bond he created with Sue and the boys. It was only fitting that in his final hours here on earth, he was surrounded by the legacy he created.

Rest in peace Johnny Merritt, we love you so much!

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel - 98 Dixie Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.


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38 Condolence(s)
Mary Muse Ford
Richwood, TX
Saturday, October 29, 2022


So so sad for the loss of your Johnny!! I considered ya'll my friends
for many years!! I'm here Sue for you if your need to cry, talk or need a shoulder to lean on!! My home # is 265-2279 cell #979-665-8566. Love you so much, MARYLYNN MUSE FORD

Jeff Bradley
Boise, ID
Thursday, October 13, 2022

Coach Merritt was our football coach from 10th grade straight through my senior year, the 1981 season. He was a great coach and we had fun playing under him.

Jarrette Ireland
Kerrville, TX
Monday, October 10, 2022

I send my condolences to the family and friends of John. I always knew him as Johnny. I played football with him at Brazosport in high school. We even went on a college recruiting trip together. I graduated in 1966, so I lost track of him. It was rewarding to see that he became a coach.
I am sure this provided the opportunity from him to mentor and contribute to the lives of many young people.
Johnny was a good friend to me at Brazosport and just a great guy.

Doyle Neighbours
Angleton, TX
Sunday, October 9, 2022

We will miss you! And always remember your smile!

Angelo Colón
Pearland, TX
Thursday, October 6, 2022

RIP Coach Merrit, my condolences to the family.

DeeDee LeBoeuf
Richmond, TX
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Sue….please accept our condolences. May God bless and comfort you, and your family, during this time of loss. May Johnny rest in peace.

DeeDee and Robert LeBoeuf
Richmond, Tx.

Carol Sebesta
Angleton, TX
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

So sorry to learn of your loss. Prayers for you and the family to find strength, comfort and peace. RIP Johnny.

Keith & Sherry Kilgore
Meadows Place, TX
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

So many fond memories have come soaring back in these past few days since learning of the passing of our great friend Johnny.
Especially the times our families spent together and with all our boys at our hunting lease near Lake Buchanan.
What a special man with a special talent for teaching, coaching and inspiring others.
He will be missed...but what a legacy he leaves us!

Aaron Cullitan
Phoenix, AZ
Monday, October 3, 2022

You will be missed by all Mr Merritt!!! Great coach and a great man!
Love, Aaron and Autum and the entire Cullitan Family!

Mili & LaWane Mezulic
Lake Jackson, TX
Monday, October 3, 2022

May the Lord be with you and yours, May his GRACE shine upon you and give you peace ✝️🙏💕Prayers for your family during this sorrowful time!🙏

Charlie & Linda Moore
Wimberley, TX
Monday, October 3, 2022

Dear Sue and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.. With our deepest sympathy,
Linda & Charlie Moore of Wimberley, TX

Gloria Lee
La Grange, TX
Monday, October 3, 2022

Prayers for you my friend. Love You❤️🙏

Cynthia Devens Orendorff
Bandera, TX
Sunday, October 2, 2022

May the Lord keep you close; May your memories keep you warm; May the love of family and friends keep you busy! Prayers for the entire family❤️🙏❤️

Sandra Martin Bledsoe
Heath, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sue, Johnny sounds like a wonderful man, husband and father. I only wish I had lived near you to get to know all of you and your lovely family. Our prayers are with you and your family. Lord hear our prayers.

Bud & Kathy Miller
SONORA, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sue, it was a shock to hear of Johnny's passing and our hearts ache along with you and your family. Johnny was an amazing person who touched many lives and we feel so fortunate to have known him. You have our sincere condolences, and we will keep you close in thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.

Sue Coffee
Las Cruces, NM
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sue, my heart goes out to you in the loss of Johnny. You two will alwayss, in my mind, be a shining example of "true love!" Hugs and prayers for you and the family.

Sue Coffee

Don Dancak
San Antonio, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Our deepest sympathies for the family in this time of loss. Our prayer is that God will give you the strength for this most difficult time.

Janice Cotten
Colleyville, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sue, Michael, Scott and family .
Sending our sincere condolences and love to
You all .
Johnny was an amazing person who will be missed
by so many friends and family .
We have many fond memories of Johnny .
May he rest in peace .
Love and hugs to you .
Janice and Leon Cotten

Billy Mileski
Houston, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

RIP John

John Gambino
Boerne, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

God bless you, Sue. Remember Heaven. Peace!

Gail and Richard Neese
Richmond, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

So sad to hear this news! Richard and I have fond memories of fun times with your family! We send our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to all of you in your time of sorrow and loss. Johnny was a very special person and touched so many lives !
Love to you all.
Gail and Richard Neese

Bud Ivie
Clute, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

My Jr High coach at Clute…remember him well, a truly good guy. RIP Coach.

Bud

Deborah & Stuart Herbst
Freeport, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sue so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.

Stuart and Deborah Herbst

Gayle Vinson
Chester, TX
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sending prayers and love for my life long
special friend Sue. God bless you and your
boys. My heart is so sad for you. I know
you are a very strong lady.May you find
comfort knowing you shall meet again.

Marilyn Foelsing/Scott
Kingsland, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

So very sorry to hear of Johnny's passing Sue. My heart and prayers to you and the family.

John Earl Smith
Hendersonville, TN
Friday, September 30, 2022

So sorry beautiful.
Remember you are loved by so many.
Hug your family and friends every time things get tough and try to remember all the wonderful memories

John Earl Smith
Hendersonville, TN
Friday, September 30, 2022

So sorry beautiful.
Remember you are loved by so many.
Hug your family and friends every time things get tough and try to remember all the wonderful memories

Leslie Lowrey
Crawford, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

Sue, Kenny and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close to your heart. It will give you comfort
Our love
Leslie and Kenny

Doris Owens
Bryan, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

Sorry Nancy and I will not be able to attend the visitation, but know we are praying for Sue and your family. It's never easy losing the love of your life, but just know that he is in a better place, reunited with his parents and watching over you and your family. Rest In Peace Johnny.

Nancy Montgomery
Bryan, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

So sorry for your loss Sue. I am praying for your family.

Sharon Gregg
Maryville, IL
Friday, September 30, 2022

God bless you, Scott and Micheal during this difficult time. Sending prayers and hugs!

Mary Radewahn
Naples, FL
Friday, September 30, 2022

My Dear Sue and Family,
God bless all of you at this time of loss. I remember Johnny had all these weight and machines off the kitchen. Always just a darn nice guy. In reading his obituary,,,,he did so much!
Much Love.
Mary

Joe & Deborah Luycx
Freeport, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

Much Love & Prayers for you and your family.

Judy Stephenson Clifford
Lake Jackson, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

Sue, I extend my most heartfelt condolences wrapped up in hugs to you and your family on the loss of your precious husband, father and grandfather.
If there is anything you ever need please do not hesitate to let me know, I am here. You have beautiful and meaningful memories made throughout your many years together, cling to them and Johnny will never be far from your ♥️ hearts!

Robin Greenwood Miller
Artesia, NM
Friday, September 30, 2022

Mrs. Merritt, Michael, and Scott,

I will forever be grateful to have the memories of Mr. Merritt's smile, contagious laugh and fun loving spirit from my childhood!! Our families' friendship are some of my fondest!! I am praying for all of you as you walk this valley! All my love to each of you!! Robin

Jack Pennington & Family
Santa Fe, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

All of our Love.

Larry Linscomb
Austin, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

Praying for your family and you were a great friend and a good camping partner

Nancy Fisher
Godfrey, IL
Friday, September 30, 2022

Sending love and sympathy to this beautiful family.