Merle Duane Jay

Long time Wewoka resident Merle D. Jay passed away June 6, 2016 following a lengthy illness. He was 77 years of age. He was born June 20, 1938 to George A. Jay and Lillian Eloise (Strombom) Jay. His parents precede his journey. Merle retired after 44 years of employment with the United States Postal Service. He was a mail carrier, walking the old fashioned routes, knowing every address and everyone in Wewoka. He proudly served 22 years in the US Army, both active and reserve, serving as Sergeant Major. He obtained status as a Green Beret and was a combat/special warfare instructor of the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoyed a multitude of hobbies including taxidermy, hunting and fishing, and hunting rattlesnakes in his younger years. All who had the opportunity to dine on his BBQ knew he was a “Pitmaster” in his own right! His all time favorite thing to do was to be with his family. He “supervised grand dinners and cookouts. He gladly provided his opinion whether you wanted it or not. He enjoyed the “good ‘ole boys” and you each know who you are. He was a keen story teller, some truth, some fiction, and sometimes you just didn’t know! His sense of humor was hilarious and spontaneous. He strongly believed that you should always help your neighbor and he always did. Drinking coffee at Goodson’s Feed Center every morning was a ritual, until the day came when that chair sat empty. Merle is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Bonita. One brother, George R. Jay, M.D. Three children, Robin Barry (Christopher), Dathan D. Jay, M.D. (Nicole) Stephanie Rivera (Sam). He has taught many life lessons, given valued and cherished advice to his children. He began doing the same to each of his seven grandchildren. Laci Jones, Hailey Darakhshan (Joshua), Reagan Rivera, Rylan, Jagger, Piper and Poppy Jay will miss their Papa and his “tall tales”, fishing and griping about the fireworks every 4th of July. He is also loved and will be missed by his very special extended family Cliff and Barbara Sartin and Marjorie Bondurant of Waco, Texas. Both his and Bonita’s wisdom, knowledge, support and unconditional love has helped shape and nurture the success and love their family embraces and enjoys. He was loved by many and will be incredibly missed. A very sincere and special thank you to all of you for your prayers and support. The family is also grateful to Drs. Chohan, Cook, Raczkowski, Newman, Wong and Chaffin. Our deepest gratitude to Mr. John Norman who always went above and beyond. One cannot fail to mention and thank the mean domino, card competitors, and dear friends, Steve and Karen Barkhimer. Thank you all. By following strict orders provided by none other than Merle himself, a celebration of his life will be just that. A celebration! It is planned for later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, “Change the air filter and oil in your tractor, it’s hay season ya know!” That’s exactly what he would have wanted.