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Frank W. Merrick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, dedicated leader, friend, and passionate philanthropist, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 68. Frank left behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, and a profound impact on his community and beyond.
Frank was born on March 15, 1956, in Ardmore, OK to Ward S. Merrick, Jr. and Marianne Brown Merrick.
After graduation from Ardmore High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and worked at Harold's where he gained his appreciation for stylish clothing.
After graduation from OSU, Frank returned to Ardmore to work for Ward S. Merrick, Inc., the longtime family oil and gas business. In Ardmore, he quickly became an important community leader, chairing the boards of Memorial Hospital of Southern Oklahoma and the Ardmore Development Authority. He played an integral role in the merger of the two Ardmore hospitals (Memorial and Adventist) which ultimately accommodated the sale of Memorial Hospital to Mercy Healthcare and created Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation, a purpose-driven philanthropic organization in southern Oklahoma.
In the late 1990's, Frank and his beloved wife and partner, Debbi, decided it was time to turn the page to the next chapter of their life whereupon they moved to Oklahoma City. Nobody could have comprehended the blessing this move would be for Frank, Debbi, and the Merrick family or the impact this decision would have on Oklahoma City and not-for-profit organizations across the nation.
After arrival in Oklahoma City, Frank served as Vice President of Development for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and as Vice President of Trust Sales for Bank of Oklahoma. For a long time, Frank sensed there was an absence of professional advice and assistance available for individuals and entities with philanthropic interests. Frank decided it was time to venture out and provide this needed service.
Foundation Management, Inc. was founded in 2000, and then Frank's skills, talents and desires really came to life. His true passion was helping philanthropy—and helping philanthropists. Through FMI, Frank and his team have streamlined operations for numerous family foundations and public charities to accommodate their focus on giving. Frank was instrumental in creating positive change and "moving the needle" in the world of philanthropy. His work helped countless organizations thrive. He always encouraged others to do the hard work and to push the boundaries of what they thought possible.
Frank's board roles included serving as Chairman of the Board of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Interbank, and as a board member of Integris Health, The M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation, and Merrick Foundation. A few highlights of his robust past board service include as a founding board member of Palomar Oklahoma City Family Justice Center, Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Crossings Clinic. In particular, his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others was showcased through his founding and multi-decade support of the Homeless Alliance.
Frank was the kind of person who held his own family together with love and thoughtfulness and was an example for others to do the same. We will never know how many have been helped thanks to Frank's compassionate vision and passion to help those in need. He is going to be missed more than can be described by his family and those whose lives he has touched.
Frank is survived by his wife, Debbi, of the home; his children Jeni Merrick Baker, Will Merrick (Heather), and Scott Merrick (Julie); six grandchildren and his siblings, Ward S. Merrick, III (Linda), Valda Buchanan (Jerry), and Robert Merrick (Kellie).
Funeral services will be held at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73134, at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024; reception to follow in the church. A family burial service will be held in Ardmore, OK.
Pall Bearers will be Will Merrick, Scott Merrick, Len Cason, Mike Cawley, Rick Coe, James Dickson, Bill Goddard, Scott McLean, Dan Straughan, and Doug Tippens. Honorary pallbearers will be the Fortune Club of Oklahoma City.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation https://omrf.org/, The Homeless Alliance https://www.homelessalliance.org or Crossings Community Church https://crossings.church
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