Soquel

Darrell Keith Merriman passed away on July 14, 2022 at his home in Soquel, California. He was born on January 7, 1937 to Ralph and Edith Merriman, and raised in Chalk Mound Township, Kansas.

Darrell graduated from Woodston High School, earned his bachelor’s in history from Friends University, his California Teaching Credential from Fresno State University, his master’s degree in Public Administration from San Jose State and Doctorate from Bethany Theological Seminary.

Darrell taught 5th and 6th grades in Woodston and Wichita, Kansas, and elementary school in Madera, CA, as well as English at Madera High School. He was also a Teacher and Administrator at Mission Hill Jr. High and Soquel High Schools.

Darrell grew up on a Kansas wheat farm and was accustomed to being around old barns. In later life, he developed a great interest in photo-documenting old barns.

As he traveled across the country, he would take photos of interesting and historic old barns, which he compiled in albums for the family.

In the late 1980’s, his nephew, Lonn McIntosh and his son-in-law, Alex Sixtus, acquired Aids. After Lonn’s death, he partnered with Santa Cruz Aids Project and he and Alex would travel to high schools and churches in the Bay Area to educate people regarding Aids and safe sex. He continued with this until Alex’s death.

Darrell was a foster parent to many children of relatives and friends.

He was a member at Twin Lakes Baptist Church, and also served as Treasurer and Board Member at Pacific Grove Church of God.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Donna Marie (Garrett) Merriman, his daughters, Janel Carrasco, Diedra Kmetovic, Elizabeth Nichter, and Leah Merriman; grandson, Jon Coso, granddaughter, Maya Sixtus, and grandchildren, Mick, Andres, Giovanna, Zach, Cheyenne and Cameron; great grandchildren, Jaxson and Lorenzo; his brother, Thoman “Rusty” Taylor; 9 nieces and 7 nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Saturday, July 23, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m.