Stephen Merrill

Benjamin Funeral Service - Nowata, Oklahoma............................................ Stephen Joseph Merrill, 65, passed away, after a long battle with cancer, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Clarehouse in Tulsa. He was born April 29, 1951 in Norton, Kansas to James William and Ella Mae (McConkey) Merrill. Steve graduated from South Pasadena High School in California and continued his education at the University of Oregon, University of California Irvine, and Azusa Pacific College. Steve held a Bachelors of Arts in History with teaching credentials, as well as a Master's of Administration in Education. He was a Nursing Home Administrator for twenty-five years. He retired on April 1, 2016. On June 17, 1978 he married the love of his life, Susan Kathleen Brooks in Arcadia, California. They lived in CA until 1989 when they moved to the family farm in Lenapah, OK. Steve's favorite thing on the farm was cutting his own wood to heat the house. Steve enjoyed sharing his Indian heritage with his family. They moved to Tulsa, OK in 2004. Steve was a member of Kiwanis, and the Green Country Healthcare Association. He volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and for Wednesday dinners at the First Southern Baptist Church of Coffeyville. He was a soccer coach and enjoyed all of his children's sporting events. He also taught Sunday School at Liberty Church in Tulsa. He served on the Board of Directors at Plumbline Ministries, Inc. for several years. Steve began running at age 58 and ran 5K's daily before his first cancer surgery in 2012. He then was able to walk daily until 2014. He enjoyed doing yard work and visiting with friends and was a vital member of his men's Bible study established at Liberty Church as well as the community group in which he and Sue participated. Steve enjoyed worshiping with others at Sanctuary Church. Steve especially enjoyed his pets, Boots the cat, and Daisy the dog. Many report how he encouraged and inspired them along their own life's journey. His wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members each held a special place in his heart. Steve loved the Lord Jesus and enjoyed sharing his joyful faith with others. He will be missed by all who knew him. Steve is survived by his wife Sue of the home; three children, Brian Merrill and his wife Misty of Tulsa, Adam Merrill and his wife Katie of Tulsa and Lindsay Merrill of Kansas City, Kansas; a brother, Geoffrey Merrill of South Pasadena, California; four grandchildren, Braden Tucker, Leland Merrill, Ollie Merrill, Annie Mae Merrill; many other relatives and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ella Mae Merrill. Interment will be held first at 10:00 AM at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Lenapah, OK, Tuesday, May 31, 2016. The memorial service will be, 2:00 at Liberty Church (7777 S. Garnett Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012). Flowers and cards may be sent to Liberty Church or a donation may be given to Plumbline Ministries, Inc (8222 E 103rd St., Suite 127, Tulsa, OK 74133)

Service Details

Tuesday, May 31st, 2016 2:00pm, Liberty Church

Interment Details

Mt. Washington Cemetery