Joseph Andrew Merrill's Obituary
Joseph Andrew Merrill, age 65, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He was born September 22, 1960 in Lansing, Michigan, to Eugene Merrill and Mary Clark Merrill, who preceded him in death.
Joe spent his early years in DeWitt, Michigan, where he enjoyed many friendships and made happy memories. In 1972, his family moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1979, where he was awarded Best Draftsman in the school’s vocational program. This recognition inspired him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Throughout his career, Joe worked as an engineer for Superior Industries, Alumax, Gates Manufacturing, and Tyson Foods. He was respected for his knowledge, reliability, and steady presence, and he made friends everywhere he went.
In 1988, he married Judy Kever, and they moved to Fayetteville. In 1991, they welcomed their daughter, Josie. Named after her father, she inherited his big heart, sense of humor, and strong work ethic. He was immensely proud of her.
Joe and Judy shared 37 years of marriage. Their lives were full with careers in teaching and engineering and the joy of raising their daughter. Like many families, they believed retirement would bring long, quiet years together, and its brevity is deeply felt.
Joe loved his family above all else. He also loved music, time with friends, and sports, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks. He looked forward to taking Josie to the Roots Music Festival each year, and could often be found late at night listening to classic rock. Through the ups and downs of Razorback football, he faithfully attended home games with his brother-in-law, O.B. Kever.
Joe Merrill was easy to like and impossible to forget. He made people feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued. The world is better for having had him in it.
Survivors are his wife, Judy Kever Merrill; a daughter Josie Leeann Merrill; his siblings, Anita Reagan (R.T.), Eugene Merrill (Nancy), Mary Merrill Tucker (Tommy); a brother-in-law, O.B. Kever, III (Shannan); nephews, Wynston Kever and Braden Jones.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday, February 16, at Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral mass will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Wolf Bayou Community near Heber Springs.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association (https://als.org/arkansas) in Joe’s memory.
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