John Henry Merrell, 87, of Alexander, Arkansas, passed away on January 6, 2019. He was born on November 12,1931 in Staten Island, New York to parents Thomas and Anna Merrell. He graduated from Curtis High School and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was a Captain, employed by Texaco. John was so special to everyone lucky enough to have known him and will be truly missed. His nickname was “Jack” for the sole reason that he was a true “jack of all trades”- he could build and fix just about anything you could think of, including boats and furniture. He was an incredibly smart man with little words, but a full heart. John loved traveling by sea to different places all over the world with his wife, spending time with his family, and building model railroads both inside and outside his home. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years: Elaine Merrell, his beautiful daughter: Elaine McCaleb and her husband, Brad, and 6 grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Benjamin, and his wife Cynthia, Joshua, and his wife, Christa, Christopher, Rachel, Noah and Sarah, as well as 2 great grandchildren, Isaiah and Finley. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Merrell, who are all celebrating his arrival in Heaven. As a tribute to honor John’s wonderful life, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
