Daniel Griffin Merrill

Daniel G. Merrill, 76, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, September 26. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, teacher, mentor, and proud United States Navy veteran.

Dan was born in Waterville, Maine, on February 4, 1951, to Charles E. Merrill and Marie Elizabeth Merrill. After graduating from Waterville High School in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy and began what would become a lifelong commitment to service. He followed in his father’s footsteps; his father was also a military veteran and a secondary school teacher.

During his years at Waterville High School, Dan was an avid gymnast and became a state champion. He also formed friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life.

During his 24 years in the Navy, Dan’s career took him and his family to many places. During his first tour of duty, he met the love of his life, Betty Joan, and they married in 1973. Their Navy life together took them overseas and across the United States, including time in London, England, where their first daughter, Desiree Danielle, was born in April 1974. In 1978, their second daughter, Tessa Lynn, was born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. His assignments also included NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, giving Dan and his family the opportunity to experience and explore Europe.

After returning to the United States, Dan and his family moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana.

Following 24 years of honorable service in the Navy, Dan began the next chapter of his career as an educator. In 1994, he started the Navy Junior ROTC program at Del City High School, where he taught and mentored students for another 24 years. He was more than a teacher to his cadets; he was a mentor, role model, and trusted presence in the lives of countless young people. He affectionately called his students and cadets “boneheads,” a nickname that reflected his humor and the special connection he shared with them.

Dan was honored with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. One of the memories he treasured most was being asked to walk three of his former cadets down the aisle at their weddings—a testament to the lasting relationships he built with his students.

When explaining why he became a teacher, Dan often said, “My father also retired from the military and retired from secondary school teaching. He told me teaching would be unlike any other job I had held. Boy, was he right.”

Dan retired from teaching seven years ago and spent his retirement enjoying the people and things he loved most. He loved reading, fishing, traveling, visiting family and friends, and spending time with his cat, whom he lovingly referred to as his “baby.” He especially enjoyed going to breakfast every morning and spending time with his breakfast bunch.

Family was at the heart of Dan’s life. He was immensely proud of his daughters, Desiree and Tessa; his grandchildren, Mariah and Makayla, whom he lovingly called his “M&M’s”; his grandson, Trae Allan; and his great-grandchild, Junie B. His family brought him tremendous joy, and he cherished the time they spent together.

Dan was also known for his sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He was a big jokester, and his funny personality was one of the many things people loved about him. When asked, “What is one thing no one would know about me?” Dan’s answer was simply, “I’m pregnant!” That was Dan—quick-witted, playful, and always ready with a joke.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Merrill and Marie Elizabeth Merrill; two brothers; one sister; and the love of his life, Betty Joan.

After nearly five decades devoted to serving his country and his community, Dan’s greatest legacy may be the people he touched along the way. From the sailors who served alongside him to the students he taught and mentored, his lifelong friends, and, most importantly, his family, Dan gave people memories and lessons they will carry with them.

Dan will be deeply missed by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, family, friends, former students and cadets, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His life was one of service, family, friendship, laughter, and love—and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in all those he touched.

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. We have the watch