OBITUARY
 

Kent Irwin Merrill Birth Date: November 19, 1940 Death Date: January 23, 2018 Kent Irwin Merrill, age 77, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018, in Plano, Texas. Kent was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His proudest accomplishments were his three children and eight grandchildren who fondly called him “Poppy.” He will live forever in their hearts. Kent was born November 19, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Robert and Vera Merrill. His primary education began at Longfellow Elementary in Dallas,Texas. Family moves took him to Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Central High School and on to Youngstown, Ohio, where he graduated. Kent attended The Ohio State University prior to joining the U.S. Army. Following military service he completed his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education at North Texas State University. Kent married Diana Gibson on May 8, 1965, and together they raised three wonderful children. Kent started his work career as a history teacher at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas, before becoming a guidance counselor at R. L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas. In 1969 Kent made a career move into college textbook sales where he found his passion. From sales to management he loved his 36 years in publishing especially his time with Little, Brown and Company, College Division, where he established lifelong friendships. Kent’s greatest joy was his family. He shared 52 years of happiness with his loving wife, Diana. Their three children, Laura, Allison, and Kent, were always a source of pride, love and enjoyment. He especially enjoyed his time coaching little league baseball and basketball and cheering his kids throughout their many activities. Kent adored being a grandfather to his eight beautiful grandchildren. Kent is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Diana G. Merrill; his daughter, Laura Elizabeth Von Loh (Donn) and 4 children: Josh, Ashley, Elizabeth and Christian; his daughter, Dr. Allison Corinne Merrill (John Baker); and his son, Kent Gibson Merrill (Nicole) and 4 daughters: Keely, Zoey, Riley, and Josey; and by a brother, Robert Scott Merrill (Frances). Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Restland Funeral Home followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. in Wildwood Chapel at Restland.

Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams