Jack Herrick Obrey

December 20, 1925-August 26, 2011

Jack Obrey, age 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend passed away peacefully at home and went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2011. Jack was born in Merced where he lived his entire life. He served in the US Navy during World War 11 and was proud to serve his country. After returning home from the war he went back to Merced High School to finish his education and received his diploma. It wasn’t long after that he met the love of his life from Atwater, CA, Rosa Lee Wright and they were married after a short courtship. They married on February 28, 1949. Jack worked as a house painter following in the footsteps of his father and stayed in that profession all of his life. He started his own Paint Contracting business in 1955 and worked on many projects throughout central & northern California including schools, churches, medical buildings, tracts of homes, as well as privately owned homes. For the last 20 years of his career he specialized in hanging wallpaper working in hundreds of home and businesses throughout Merced & Atwater. He honed his skill so well that he was considered by many to be an artist at his craft. From 1973-1981 he was also co-owner of Obrey’s House of Paint located on the corner of Main & M Street in downtown Merced along with his oldest son.

Jack was a kind, gentle, quick to laugh, good hearted man who always looked for and found the best in everyone he met. To quote someone famous “he never met a man (or woman) he didn’t like.” He was always available to lend a helping hand to others. He often volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity and was involved in constructing the outdoor theater (the Moat) in Applegate Park. One of Jack’s favorite things to do in life was mentoring young men in Boy Scouts. He was a Scout Master for over 40 years taking scouts on camping trips all over California. He taught & trained many of his young scouts well and many of them went on to earn the highest award of Eagle Scout. Jack was very fond of fishing and could be found catching his limit of fish even when those around him weren’t getting a bite. Jack was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in many capacities within the church.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosa Lee Obrey; his eldest son, Russ Obrey (Diane); his daughter, Cindy Denno-grandsons, Ricky & Jonathan Denno; his middle son, Scott Obrey; and his youngest son, Larry Obrey (Anne)-grandchildren, Rosey & Nathanael Obrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Margaret Obrey; a sister, Dorothy Obrey of Merced; and an infant daughter, Valerie.

Viewing will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Friday, September 2, 2011 from 3:00p.m.-7:00p.m. Funeral and Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 9:00a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1080 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced. Burial to follow at Merced Cemetery District.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.