Otis Dean Merritt

Otis Dean Merritt was born December 15, 1942, at his home in Agawam, OK. He was the twelfth child, seventh son born to William Robert and Emma Josephine (Morris) Merritt. Otis passed away on February 23, 2018, in Marlow, OK, at the age of 75.

He attended Agawam Elementary School, graduated from Ninnekah High School in 1961, graduated Cum Laude from Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts 1969, and graduated East Central Oklahoma State University with a Master of Education degree in 1975. He taught and was elementary principal at Ninnekah, he taught Special Education and fourth grade in Binger, and he taught fifth and sixth grades in Chickasha. He was a past president of CUTA and belonged to NEA and OEA. He attended Epworth United Methodist Church.

On March 22, 1989, Otis married the love of his life Barbara Allen of Chickasha. They have two children. Otis loved to read, especially about history, like to watch movies, and Westerns, and he liked visiting friends and family. He loved all of his dogs, especially Woodrow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers Roy (Pearl) Willard (Viola) Marvin "John" Elvard (Irene), Kenneth and Bill, and four sisters Ruby Merritt, Mae (Dave) Davis, Ethel (Ben) Renfro, Mary (Lee Edwards) Doshier and Donna Kaspereit.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home, daughter Ashlee Nicole Merritt of Yukon and son John Allen Merritt and brother-in-law Herman Kaspereit and numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Epworth Church or a charity of your choice. We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Marlow Manor for the loving care Otis received while living there.