Jacob Merkel

Jacob Merkel, 88, of Brenham, died March 6, 2007, at Trinity Medical Center in Brenham. Mr. Merkel was born May 11, 1918, in Woodville, TX, to Jacob Joseph and Emma Arndt Merkel. He served in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 24, 1940, he was married to Lorena Alma Hartfield at Warrenton, TX. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Merkel returned to work for his father who owned his own bulldozer business. He also operated a bulldozer for Robert Lange Construction, Alfred Boecker Construction and Washington County Road and Bridge, from which he retired. Mr. Merkel was preceded in death by his wife, Lorena in 1979; a son, Gene in 1999; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Cookie and Harry Grimm and Gayle and Glenn Meschewitz, all of Brenham; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Anne Merkel of Brenham; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Linda Grimm, Jason and Jennifer Grimm, Grant Meschewitz, Sheri Merkel and Valerie Merkel; great-grandchildren, Amanda and Austin Grimm; and two brothers. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 9 at Memorial Oaks Chapel with Rev. Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Memorials may be given to your favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.