Merritte Ray Kirkman

Merritte Ray Kirkman
November 28, 1942 – November 3, 2023
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Merritte Ray Kirkman passed from his earthly home November 3, 2023, to join his beloved wife, Nora. During those final moments he was surrounded by the love and support of his pastors, family and friends.
Born November 28, 1942, to Richard A. and Margaret Kirkman, in Alexandria, Indiana. Merritte lived a long and full life filled with family, friends and many interests.
As a young man Merritte joined the Air Force serving his country for many years. He was proud of his military career and years of service. The knowledge of electronics that he gained while serving in the Air Force benefited him as he used his skills in the electronics field for the rest of his life.
While in the Air Force, Merritte was stationed on Clark Air Base in the Philippines. There he met and married the woman he would love and live with until her final days. He married Nora in the Philippines on May 3, 1969. – for the first time.
After living in Okinawa for a time, Merritte returned to the U.S, bringing Nora with him. After being married for eight or nine years, the two discovered a glitch in their marriage, which became something they would laugh about for years.
Nora applied for her citizenship and discovered that she was still legally married to a man in the Philippines. She had to divorce her first husband so that she and Merritte could get married – again. They were married for the second time on their 10th anniversary, May 3, 1979 – with their daughter, young Mary Kirkman, able to attend her parents’ second wedding.
Back in Indiana, after leaving the Air Force, Merritte worked a variety of jobs in electronics and eventually opened his own business, MKmicro located in South Bend. His mother enjoyed working alongside him. His store also became a congregating spot where family members dropped by frequently just to hang out and spend time with one another.
During those Indiana days, Merritte spent a lot of time with his brother Dick. They enjoyed working on and racing Dick’s stock car. On occasion Merritte raced the car when Richard wasn’t able to. This race car bond would be with Merritte the rest of his life.
After closing MKmirco, Merritte and Nora moved to Grapevine, Texas, to be close to his daughter Mary. Being around his family and watching his grandchildren as they grew and got into sports was Merritte’s favorite way to spend his time.
Merritte met a friend at work Jesse Johns, who would be his best friend for the rest of his life. After retirement, they remained close and spent time walking the mall for exercise – usually ending up at Whataburger for breakfast. The two were friends during the good times and hard times of life. Jesse was there with his best friend as he drew his last breath. The two had a long-standing agreement – whoever left this earth first, the other would speak at his service.
Many activities and passions kept Merritte lively and interesting. Although spending time with his daughter and grandchildren was his top priority. He also enjoyed NASCAR, karaoke, casinos, and even Pokémon Go. Even during his final days of life, his main concern was making sure his family was cared for.
One important achievement to Merritte was one he completed for his wife, Nora. Towards the end of Nora’s life, they took a trip visiting as many loved ones as possible, so Nora could see them one last time. There were a few places they weren’t able to travel to. After Nora’s death, Merritte set off alone to complete the trip for Nora – driving from Texas, through Indiana, into Canada, and to Nevada before returning home.
Merritte is survived by his children, Joann France (Ford) of Kentucky, Charles Kirkman of Indiana and Mary Cooper (Eric) of Texas. Grandchildren, Andy France, Alex France, Nathan Cooper and Emily Cooper. Sisters Kay Kinneavy of Colorado and Martha Peek of Indiana, Brother Richard Kirkman (Stella) of Indiana, along with numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A sister preceded him in death, Susan Kirkman, along with two brothers-in-law, Gerry and Tom.
The family wishes to thank everyone for all the love and support they have shown Merritte and his family during these difficult days.
The viewing will be held Thursday, November 9th from 6 pm – 8 pm at Lucas Funeral Home, 700 West Wall Street, Grapevine TX 76051.
Services will be held on Friday, November 10th at 10:30 am. at First Methodist Church, Founders Chapel, 422 South Church Street, Grapevine, TX 76051.
Merritte will be laid to rest with full military honors on Wednesday, November 15th, at 1:00 p.m., at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas 75211
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church that Merritte and Nora attended since moving to Texas – First Methodist Church of Grapevine Endowment Fund. https://www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/endowment