Gerald Henry Merryman
June 14, 1938 – Jan. 18, 2011
Gerald Henry Merryman passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 18 of massive heart failure. He was born in San Jose in 1938, the second son of Ray and Ruth Merryman.
The family moved to Turlock in 1951. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1956 and then attended San Jose State College. Before completing his studies Gerald joined the Navy and spent 4 years serving his country. When he returned he enrolled in Stanislaus State to continue his education and graduated in 1964. The following year he earned his teaching credential and taught middle school. Around this time he married Antionette Irvine, but a short time later they divorced and he stayed single for the rest of his life. He left teaching and traveled extensively, finding employment in various fields and places. He traveled to Alaska where he eventually found a job working for the Bureau of Weights and Measures. This lasted nearly 17 years until he was injured on the job and forced to retire. He then returned to Turlock to take care of his father until Ray passed away in 1996 (Ruth passed away 3 years earlier). Approximately 3 years later he moved to Alturas and lived there until his death.
Jerry Merryman had many interests in life, first among them being family. He loved travelling, he read extensively, loved movies, loved classical music and was an advocate for human and animal rights. He contributed to various animal rights groups and was a card carrying, dues paying member of the Humane Society.
He is survived by his beloved cat, Trooper; his older brother Ron Merryman; his sister Barbara (Merryman) Enright; nephews, Glenn and Adam Merryman; nieces Debbie Merryman and Kim (Merryman) Nesslage; two grand nieces, two grand nephews, two great grand nieces, and a great great niece. His younger brother Dale passed away in 2009.
If you wish to honor his memory make a contribution to the Humane Society in his name.
Jerry Merryman was cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life Gathering in his memory. The family will gather for a potluck picnic on April 2 at Donnelly Park in Turlock. Anyone wishing to pay their respects will be welcomed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Section M.
