Saturday, September 7, 2024
Mary Ann Merrell of Weatherford made her final lap June 14, 2024, at the age of 82.
Mary was born Nov. 3, 1941, in Fort Worth to Melba and John Howard Presson. She married David Merrell April 5, 1958. She worked as a postal carrier, and enjoyed racing, collecting music boxes, and decorating for every holiday. Mary was a pioneer in the local dirt track community. In 1974, she won the Stock Car Prints Championship at the Cowtown Speedway against the men. She also won the King of the Hill Championship that year, as well as being voted "The Most Popular Driver." She definitely paved the way for women in racing and will be deeply missed by many.
Mary is preceded in death by her brother, Johnnie Presson; her sister, Bobbi Wagner; and her parents, Melba and John Presson.
Mary is survived by her husband of 66 years, David Merrell; her daughter, Judy and Mike Walton; her sons, John David and Machelle Merrell, Danny and Alyssa Merrell; her sister-in-law, Francis Presson; her brothers-in-law, J.C. Allen and George Hanson; her grandchildren, Matthew and Erika Walton, Marshall and Stephanie Walton, Casey Merrell, Christina and Joey Valles, Mike and Lindsey Walton, Chelsea and Clayton Barnes, Marissa Harmon, Taylor Harmon; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
