Iva Owen Merrell, Jr.

Funeral services for Iva Owen Merrell, Jr. will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Galbraith Church of God in Marco, LA with Rev. Steve Miller and Rev. Nathaniel Wade Merrell officiating. Interment will follow at Merrell Cemetery in Lena, LA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm on December 22, 2014 until service time Tuesday at Galbraith Church of God in Marco, LA. Owen, as he was known, 57 years of age, passed away on December 20, 2014 while doing what he loved most, hunting. He was born October 08, 1957 in Natchitoches, LA. He had a warm and inviting personality and was a friend to all. He always greeted people with a smile, a handshake, or a hug. He would wave at everyone he passed on the road, and would go out of his way to speak with you. He was always willing to help out and was a true patriot. Owen loved the outdoors, and would take the chance to hunt or fish whenever he could. He was faithful to God and church, and loved to listen to Bluegrass Gospel as well as Hank Williams Sr. He was an expert horseshoe thrower, and would accept any challenge without question. His idea of a good time was either hunting, fishing, or eating at a dinner on the grounds at church. He was taken too soon, but is now rejoicing in the hands of God. He will be missed. He is survived by his mother, Lenora Owen Brown and her husband, Eugene; his four brothers, Wade Merrell, Billy Merrell, Kelton Merrell, and Felton Merrell; his cousin, who was his hunting partner and was like a brother, Jerry Merrell; seven nieces; two nephews; three great nieces; and three great nephews; as well as a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Iva Ora Merrell; his brother, Kirby Merrell; and two nephews, John and Charles Merrell.