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William John "Willie" Merical
Sep 19, 1954 - Mar 23, 2026
Posted by Jo Aguirre

© Greer Funeral Home

William John Merical (known to most people as Willie) of Granite, Oklahoma passed away March 23 at age 71. Willie was born September 19, 1954 to Gordon and Florence Marie (Sheaffer) Merical in Des Moines, Iowa.

He grew up and attended school in Adel, Iowa. In 1972 Willie married Donna Lusk and together they welcomed Nathan John Merical on December 15, 1972. Willie moved to Oklahoma in 1981 seeking work in the construction field. He landed a job working for Bill Monday of Granite for over 13 years until buying out the company after Bill passed away in 1995. Willie continued the construction business for another 20 years, building many houses for Sheryl Homes and other custom homes in the area. He had a reputation of being the best framer in southwest Oklahoma.

Shortly after moving to Granite, Willie met Dianna Holt. They were married July 3, 1983. This union allowed him to come into the lives of and become Dad to Heather and Justin Callahan, a role he graciously and willing stepped up to do. They continued making their home in Granite together until Dianna‘s passing in 2014. Willie retired from the construction business the next year after almost 40 years. In the years to follow Willie enjoyed a slower pace of life. He enjoyed taking his daily ride through town, spending time at his ranch watching the wildlife, hanging out with his loyal and devoted friend, David Deas, and his family, and watching his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren grow up.

In 2023 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The symptoms associated with this illness ultimately caused his body to become weak and frail, but he continued fighting long and hard to the end. His hospice nurses referred to him as “their cat with nine lives” because of the way he always seemed to bounce back from every fall. Willie will always be remembered by his family for his hard work, stubborn will, and dedication to making sure they all had everything they needed and most of the time what they wanted.


He was proceeded in death by his father and mother Gordon and Marie Merical; two brothers, Richard and Gordon Merical; a great granddaughter Elizabeth Eader; his first wife, Donna Merical; and his wife of 30 years Dianna Merical.


Survivors include son Nathan Merical and wife Elizabeth of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter Heather Lucas and husband Ansen of Altus, Ok; son Justin Callahan of Lone Wolf, Ok; grandchildren Tyler, Kathryn, Ryan, and Isabella Merical; Laken Eader, Caylin Knight and husband Saige, Jaydon Lucas; Haley, Caleb, Jaylah and Elijah Callahan; great grandchildren, Malachi, Gideon and Ezekiel Eader; Halstyn, Rory, Tobi Kate and Bridger Knight; special friends David Deas, James and Hannah; and many other close family and friends

 

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