Merle Travis Jones, the sixth of nine children, transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence "Bud" Jones and Theresha Jones; his wife, Cary Mae Jones; his grandmother, Lillian Barker; and his siblings, Wilmer Jones, Bennie C. "Runt" Jones, Gerald "Pine" Jones, Rena Mae "Red" Langley, and Willie Hazel Williams; his sister-in-law, Jo Hazel Jones; and brother-in-law, Ross Earl Wallace.

He is survived by his sisters, Ester Marie Broussard (Kent) of Dallas, Texas, Pearlene Bryant (Bobby) of Athens, Texas, and Joann Wallace of Tyler, Texas. He also leaves behind two aunts, Magdaline Brown of Palestine, Texas, and Mildred Bryant of Dallas, Texas.

Merle is further survived by his sisters-in-laws Gracie Lee Jones of Desoto, Texas, Dorothy Mason, Clara Ransom, Lula Mae Sherman, and Mahalia Warren, of Athens, Texas; and brothers-in-law Johnny Clark Langley of Dallas, Texas, Leonard Sherman of Fort Worth, Texas, and Charles Sherman and Joe Sherman of Athens, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Merle married Cary Mae Sherman of Athens, Texas, in March 1971. He was the proud father to his daughter, Tracie Jones and his granddaughter Kerrington Conner both of Glenn Heights, Texas, who were the joys of his life. He adored his grand-dog, Buddy, who was a constant source of joy and companionship.

Merle graduated from Fisher High School in Athens, Texas, in 1965. After graduation, he served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant in the Vietnam War from 1966 until 1968.

After returning home, Merle joined the Jones family business, a respected house-moving company known throughout the community. He carried on the work with pride and dedication.

Merle was a faithful servant of the Lord. He taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and later accepted his calling into pastoral ministry. He joined Church of the Living God under the leadership of Bishop Adolphus Isaac.

He pastored Church of the Living God in Athens, Texas, from 1976 until 1992, where he served as the church's 20th pastor. After 80 years in the same location on Chase Street, Elder Jones led his members and friends in groundbreaking ceremonies for the new structure on Highway 175 on March 9, 1986. The church's theme entering the building project was Forward in Faith, which remains the same today. He then continued his ministry as pastor of the Church of the Living God in Greenville, Texas, from 1992 to 2016. Alongside his pastoral work, he served the community as a Chaplain with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, where he later retired.

Merle lived a life rooted in service, family, and faith. His hobbies included fishing, playing dominoes and spending time with family. His legacy will continue through every life he touched.