Mr. Thomas Patrick Merrill's Obituary
We are very sad to announce the passing of Thomas Patrick Merrill, who died at the age of 74 on August 30, 2023 in Rowlett, Texas.
An Inurnment Service with family and close friends will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at Noon at Restland Cemetery in Dallas Texas, followed by a reception at the residence of Alison and Dan Stump in North Dallas.
Patrick was the third son of John and Elizabeth Merrill, both deceased. He is survived by his Brother, Paul S. Merrill who is married to Dianne, and resides in Burnet, Texas.
Patrick was born at St. Paul Hospital on September 20, 1948. He lived with his parents in Garland, Texas, and graduated from Garland High School in 1967. In that same year he joined the United States Marines and served in Vietnam, first in Da Nang and then at Dong Ha, Quang Tri Provence in 1968 and 1969.
He was a "Rough Rider' member of Alpha Company (The Flying "A") 7th Motor Transport Battalion, Force Logistic Command, 3d Marine Amphibious Force. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1970 and his final rank was Corporal, E-4.
He pursued his higher education at Stephen F. Austin State University and Sam Houston State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975. He attended college supported by the G.I. Bill and worked part time as a Dispatcher for Sam Houston State University Police, and as a Deputy City Marshal for the City of Panorama Village, Texas.
He worked as a Camp Ranger from 1977 to 1979 at Camp Texoma, Texas, Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America. During his last year with the B.S.A., he was elected a member of Vigil Honor, Order of the Arrow.
He then attended Texas A&M University taking various courses and worked as a Security Officer at Texas Instruments' College Station Facility. He moved back to Dallas in 1984 and worked as a Physical Security Administrator. He was also a classroom and firearms Instructor for the Texas Board of Private investigators and Private Security Officers. In April of 1985 he moved to Rowlett, Texas.
In his later years Pat became a Special Projects Manager and member of the TI Worldwide Audit Team. He was considered a subject matter expert relating to Fire Prevention and Protection for semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
Because of his knowledge through training, schooling and self-study, he was named a Member of the Texas Instruments Facilities Technical Staff for his expertise in Fire Prevention and Protection. He retired from Texas Instruments in February of 2009.
He loved to laugh and enjoyed the company of others.
He was a lifelong avid Stamp Collector and had a very extensive collection.
He enjoyed shooting firearms and practicing for consistent performance.
Your prayers will be appreciated.
May he rest in peace
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