Merlin Gremillion

Merlin James Gremillion Jr., 78, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in New Orleans to Merlin Gremillion Sr. and Lillian Agnes Schmidt Gremillion, Merlin was known for his playful spirit and quick wit. He loved to laugh, joke, and bring joy to those around him, never missing a chance to "cut up" and have fun.

Merlin's greatest joy was his family. He loved nothing more than gathering everyone together to cook, especially boiling crawfish and crabs. As his children were growing up he spent countless hours coaching them in little league baseball, from kindergarten through high school. Merlin loved being a grandfather as well. His grandchildren were absolutely everything to him.

An avid outdoorsman, Merlin loved golfing and fishing-especially for white perch, or "perch jerkin," as he called it. Through it all, the constant in his life was his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Melancon Gremillion. High school sweethearts who grew up together, their love story was unmatched.

Merlin is survived by his loving wife, Mary Melancon Gremillion; his three children, Mark Gremillion (Claudia), Kimberly Shelstead (Travis), and Tracy Gross (William); his beloved grandchildren, Colin and Ella Gremillion, Dakota Shelstead (fiancé Brandon Moore), Savannah Shelstead, and Katelyn Gross; and his siblings, Robert Gremillion (Sherri), Pamela Briggs, and Lori Groves (Kendall), along with numerous nieces and nephews who cherished him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and her husband, Jeanne and Manny Armentor; his brother-in-law, Mark Briggs; and his granddaughter, Abigail Gross.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, with a Rosary recited at 6:00 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Shannon, Deseree, and Monica at St. Joseph Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this time.

Merlin will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, and above all, his unwavering love for his family. His laughter and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.