Gordon Darrell Merkel

Mary, his wife of 54 years, preceded him in death less than 2 years before. Gordon is survived by his 4 children: Carri Hensley and her husband Robert, Heather Merkel, Joshua Merkel and his wife Ruth Ann, and Benjamin Merkel and his wife Claudia as well as 11 grandchildren: Jessica, Samuel, David, Lucille, Peter, Logan, Alice, Savannah, Catherine, William, and Nicholas.

Gordon served in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Vietnam War. As he transitioned to civilian life, he began his long career at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He worked hard his entire career, finally retiring as a plant supervisor in the late 1990’s. After Gordon retired, he devoted most of his time to his hobbies and his family, especially his growing number of grandchildren. Gordon loved working with his hands. Whether he was repairing cars, building furniture or making knives, he loved showing what he could do and teaching anyone who would listen.

Even though Gordon suffered from heart failure throughout the last 25 years of his life, he remained faithful to his family and his Lord, trying to stay positive and, yes, stubborn throughout. In his final years, his illness took its toll; so, we take comfort in knowing he is now with the Lord and free from pain. He loved his family greatly, and they will miss him so very much.

A visitation for Gordon will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, followed by a Funeral Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, a graveside service at 12:00 PM, and a reception at East Lawn Palms.