Merrill was born May 15, 1936 in Jackson Ohio to Oakey and Zelma Taylor. In 1958 Merrill married Mary Ellen Coley and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage. They have two children, nine grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.
Merrill grew up in Chesapeake, Ohio, active in sports and band. He developed an interest in aviation at an early age, attended an airline trade school, and began work for Southern Airways in 1955. After 20 years at Southern Airways, starting as a ramp agent and ending as the Director of Charters, the family moved to Houston to build the charter department at Texas International Airlines. In 1983, Merrill left Texas International to start his own company, Merrill Taylor, Inc. to provide charter sales and support services to the airline industry. 42 years later his company continues to provide those services.
Merrill accepted the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ at age 12. He was ordained as a Deacon, serving in three churches, as well as serving as a Gideon, for as long as his health allowed. When not pursuing his love of aviation, Merrill pursued his love of travel, often with children and grandchildren in tow. Merrill and Mary traveled the world, from the Great Wall of China to the rivers of Europe, to an anniversary dinner in the Eifel tower; they traveled the world hand in hand. When Merrill left home in 1955, his mother gave him a camera and told him “Merrill, you are going places. Send me pictures.” She had no idea how true that would be.
Merrill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his parents and siblings. He is survived by daughter Deborah Knight (David) and son Rob Taylor (Debbie) and grandchildren Ashlee Knutson (Tyler), Taylor Knight, Coley Taylor (Miranda), Amanda Knight, Michaela Knight, Stella New (Joe), Sondra Morari (Slava), Krista Marquez (Hipolito), Valentina Morris (Ryan), 17 great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law, Bud Coley, and multiple nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Terri, Sherrell, Barbara and the staff and caregivers of Assisting Hands for their compassionate care and support of Merrill over the past four years.
A visitation for Merrill will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Kingwood First Baptist Church, 3500 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM, 3500 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX. A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77039.
