Harley Leonard Merritt gained his heavenly wings on Saturday, March 11, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas at the age of 83. Harley was surrounded by his wife, Francis and their children Joanna, Thomas, Mark and Terry as he took his first breath in heaven. Viewing will be held from 9:00AM to 8:00 PM with family visitation at 6:00 PM Friday, March 17, 2023 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY with Celebration of Life Service being held at 10:00 AM Saturday March 18, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church of Friona with D. Jay Lewis and Alan Clark, officiating. Burial at 4:00 PM in the Snyder Cemetery in Snyder, Texas by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Harley was born January 24, 1940 to Joseph Andrew (Snooks) Merritt, Jr. and Mildred Bethenia Jackson Merritt. He grew up in Snyder, Texas. After graduating from high school in 1958 Harley moved to Alpine, Texas and worked as a welder. Harley never planned to go to college but was convinced to go to school after attending one class. He graduated from Sul Ross University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Harley married Sherlon Tipton in October of 1960. Together they had three children, Joanna Marie, Stephen Hugh, and Thomas Ross. After graduating from college Harley moved his family to Friona, Texas. Sherlon passed away 1967. Harley taught school in Friona as the Biology teacher for 33 years. He made an impact on the lives of many students. Some of whom he kept in touch with up until his passing. He cherished these relationships. Harley was quick to share his memories of school teaching, always remembering teachers like Bob Owens, Benny Pryor, and Dub Cleveland. Harley met Francis Petchinsky in 1968 when she was working at Mama Seale's Drive on Main Street. Francis had two young boys, Mark and Terry Petchinsky. On August 9th of 1968 they were wed at First Baptist Church in Friona combining two families into one. Harley was a good father, provider and teacher and he loved Francis. Harley liked to hunt for arrowheads and Indian relics on country roads in all parts of Texas. and in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. He was a Texas History Buff and knew all things science, especially when it came to nature. If he didn't know something, he knew a way to find out about it. He took his family camping in Pagosa Springs almost every summer until the children had graduated from high school. Many memories were made in the mountains near Wolf Creek Pass. Beer Biscuits, fishing with lures he built himself and hearing, "get out of the water, you'll scare the fish", are some of the memories the children have. Harley took many of his grandchildren and even some of his great grand children to these same camping grounds just to make sure they had the experience. One of his favorite things to do was to go on a bear hunt and pretend the family was lost. Harley loved a good cup of coffee, a good steak, and talking with everyone and anyone who would listen. He learned to grow roses from his mother and filled his porch every spring with flowers and vegetables. . Harley sent many a handmade card to people he had made contact with. Family, friends and those he thought just needed lift received a birthday card, an anniversary card, a Christmas card, a get well card or a just because card. He didn't just send these cards one time; after you received one, he put you on his card list and you received them every year. Your children began to receive them.

Harley is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Merritt, Jr. and Mildred. His wife, Sherlon Tipton Merritt, Stephen Hugh Merritt, infant son, his brother, Gilbert Ray Merritt, and his sister Nancy Ballard Merritt.

He is survived by his wife, Francis Katherine Merritt. His sons, Thomas Merritt and wife Virginia of Blanco, Texas; Mark Petchinsky and with Safiye of Bulverde, Texas; Terry Petchinsky and wife Joann of Lewisville, Texas and daughter, Joanna Merritt Foster and husband Perry of Amarillo, Texas. Grandchildren Brandy Dodson; Keylin Merritt; Casey Merritt Jonathan Merritt, and Harlea Merritt, Alex Palos, Matthew Petchinsky; Kerim Petchinsky; Melih Ucok; Julia Koch; Abby Searle; Brittney Foster; and Brandon Foster. Harley is survived by 14 Great Grandchildren, many nieces and one nephew.

If you are considering a memorial for Harley Merritt, the family suggest contributing to the Benny Pryor Memorial Scholarship fund by contacting First National Bank of Friona in lieu of flowers.

You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com