Merlin Verret

Merlin James Verret, 89, passed away in the comfort of his own home on April 12, 2017.

Mr. Verret was born on June 27, 1927 as the seventh son and ninth child to Alphonse and Louise Verret in Bayou Chene. His mother passed away within just three months of his birth. At just the age of 15 he enlisted to the United States Marine Corps on February 19, 1943 and was honorably discharged in December 1945 after serving in the Pacific Theater. Although he did not complete high school he continued his education by earning a Bachelor’s Degree at what is now called University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In college he met and married his lifelong sweetheart, Betty Elaine Guillory. They enjoyed 68 years together. After college he practiced petroleum geology until the day he died. Mr. Verret founded Damson Oil Corporation, Delta Energy, and Merlin Resources. Merlin was a member of the Pioneer Club and St. Luke-Simpson Methodist Church. Mr. Verret is fondly remembered for his passion for cooking. He was also an expert wine collector and orchid grower.

Those left to cherish Merlin’s memory are his wife, Betty Elaine Guillory Verret; four children, Merlin Madison Verret and wife Kelly, Cheri Verret Sims, Suzanne Verret Bolozky and husband Scott, and Matthew William Verret; nine grandchildren, Lamar, Erin, Jonathan, Ben, Trey, Logan, Parker, Stephanie, and Caitlyn; twelve greatgrandchildren, Taylor, Annabelle, Madeline, Lara, Penelope, Jackson, Maddy, Aurora, Avonlea, Annabeth, Adelaide, and James; and sister-in-law, Patsy Summerlin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and LouiseVerret; daughter, Cynthia Louise Verret W. Porter; two grandchildren, Jeremy Lane Williams, and James Madison Verret; and all eight of his siblings.

A funeral service will held at 2PM at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday, April 17, 2017. Dr. John Robert Black will officiate. Visitation will begin that Monday at Noon until the start of the service. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Luke-Simpson UMC for the Youth and Adult Mission Trips at 1500 Country Club Rd, Lake Charles LA 70605.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net