Merle Knox, 80

Merle Edward Knox
May 4, 1944 – April 27, 2025]
Age 80 | Abilene, Texas


Merle Edward Knox, 80, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.


Born on May 4, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Merle grew up and graduated from Bloomington High School. In 1965, he served his country in Vietnam as a fighter plane mechanic in the US Air Force. He approached that role — like everything in his life — with determination, grit, and a strong sense of duty.


After returning from Vietnam, Merle married Carolyn on February 18, 1966 in Clovis, NM. Their marriage of nearly 60 years was built on loyalty, resilience, and deep commitment, Carolyn was his everything. Together, they raised two sons, Matt and Greg, and built an impressive legacy of small businesses. They owned and ran Knox Our Own Hardware, later opened Borderland Rebuilt both in Warroad, Mn. He also flew float planes for Warroad airways. In 1991 Merle and Carolyn owned and operated two successful trash businesses near Abilene, Tx.  Until they sold Knox Waste Service in 2020.  His work ethic never wavered, he took pride in his work and his family.


Though Merle was a quiet man, when he spoke, you listened — and often laughed. He was known for slipping in dry one-liners like “cooling his jets”  when needing a rest, or “checking the back of his eyelids for holes.”  when asked if he was taking a nap.


Merle was a die-hard fan of all Minnesota teams — the Vikings, the Twins, and especially the Wild. He followed every game and checked the scores religiously, and would share the updates with everyone near him.


Some of his favorite moments were spent with his wife, sons, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Or with Spencer his cousin and best friend, driving around backroads, hunting, and “talking smart.”


Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Julia Knox; his beloved son, Greg Knox; his grandson, Wade Knox; his sister, Marilyn Johnson.


He is survived by his wife Carolyn; his son Matt and Julie Knox: grandchildren Jessica, Micky(Maggie)Knox, Alan and Adam Knox. Great grandchildren; Kelby, Teddy, Mario and Gordie Knox. Daughter-in-law Stephanie Gallagher, and many extended family and friends who will remember his quiet wisdom, dry humor, quick wit, and unwavering dedication.


Merle lived with purpose, humility, and conviction. He built his legacy through action, loyalty, and love of family. His life was a model of what it means to serve others, work hard, and keep your sense of humor intact through it all.


“Weep but briefly for your loved ones as they enter the Kingdom of God.
For they shall possess a joy and peace that is unattainable on God’s earthly realm. Rather, rejoice in their everlasting and total happiness,
for their eyes have seen God.”

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  A service will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene, followed by burial with military honors at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery.