Tony was born on August 9, 1932 in Waukegan, Illinois. He was the first born and first son of Anthony Frances and Katherine Merlock. He graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1949. After graduation, he worked for American Steel and Wire in Waukegan, Illinois before enlisting in the Army on March 28, 1952. He ended his honorable military service on March 6, 1954 and moved to Denver, Colorado where he attended the University of Denver to pursue a degree in Business Administration. He graduated in August of 1957 from DU, and a year later married the love of his life, Lucine “Lu” Kunkel in Aurora, Colorado in November 1958. Shortly afterwards they moved to Texas because of his job and never left the Lonestar State.
His career was in Sales for most of his life and never met a stranger. Because of his love of playing golf, he became a Marshall at Palmer Golf Course after retiring. He was always known for his corny jokes, one of his biggest was his name spelled backwards, Y- NOT!! He loved gardening, bridge, and cruising. Saying it was the best way to see the world.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lu Merlock; Parents Anthony and Katherine Merlock; Sister Joan Hacker; and daughter in law Francine Spacek Merlock.
He is survived by his Son Timothy and his wife Maryanne Merlock; Son Patrick Merlock and his wife Bea De La Cruz-Merlock; Daughter Michelle and her husband Joey Gomez; and Daughter Laura and her husband Wes Lorenz; 7 grandchildren (A.J., Ryan, Jordan, Kate, Cameron, Sean, Mason) and 2 step-grandchildren (Abe, Jacob); 2 great- grandchildren (Coraline, Camden); 1 brother Gene Merlock
We would like to express our thanks to Mossy Oaks Retreat Assisted Living and his hospice nurse, Marla, for the wonderful help and care of our father.
A visitation for Anthony will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forest Park - The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A committal service will occur Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the MERLOCK family.
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