Merle Stevens, 79, passed away June 29, 2024, in Brownwood, Texas. A visitation will be held Sunday July 7, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. A Funeral Service will be Monday July 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood, Texas. The Internment will be at the Abilene Municipal Cemetery.

Merle was born March 8, 1945. Son of Troy B. Stevens and Maxene “Polly” Reynolds. He attended Locust Elementary, South Jr. High and Abilene High, and graduated in 1964. He graduated from Tarleton State University with a BA degree in history and government. He also graduated ROTC and was a Lt. in the U.S. Army serving 1971-1972 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

At the end of his Military service, he opened the Pizza Pace in Brownwood. It closed in 1983 and he opened the Pizza Company the same year in Brownwood. He liked the historic preservation, a clean environment and his hobbies included antiques, collectables, traveling and genealogy. He was a founding member of the local genealogy society, president of the organization as well as holding other offices over the years.

Merle is proceeded in death by his parents, Troy and Polly Stevens, his nephew Brian Campbell and niece Ann Marie Cicci.

He is survived by his brothers, Ray (Shirley) Stevens, Gerald (Sharon) Stevens, and Monty (Betty) Caperton, his sister Judy Campbell along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the genealogy section of the Brownwood Public Library.