Mark Edward Merritt passed away on April 30, 2022 in Camden, Arkansas.  He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on June 30, 1970.  Mark spent his childhood in Locust Bayou, Arkansas and most of his life in Camden, Arkansas.  He was a hard worker from a young age and took pride in his chosen career as a logger.  He loved to spend time with his family and loved to fish, lift weights and cook.  He loved his wife Paula "Wuvy", his family, friends and his dog BG.  He advocated through his own testimony that rehabilitation and beating addiction is achievable.  He made friends everywhere he went, loved to play pranks, joke and make everyone laugh - most especially his wife and momma.  Mark spent his last day doing what he loved and with who he loved.  His big hugs, laughs and love will remain in the hearts of everyone that knew him.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents Brooks Levell and Frances Paralee Merritt, Curtis Cleo and Geraldine Marshall, Great grandmother Verna Mae "Nannie" Williams, step sister Jennifer Marie Jones Vega, Uncle Thomas "Tommy" Merritt, Aunt Mary Frances Coston, Cousin Robert "Bobby" Merritt, step grandson Bentley Shackleford and his friend Ricky Byrd.

Mark is survived by his wife Paula Merritt, mother Laura Merritt, father Edward "Bud" Merritt (Sharon), brother Chad Merritt (Dorian), daughters Amber Merritt (Carlos), Leslie Green (Drew), Elizabeth Vaughan, sons Brooks Merritt (Deanne),  Robert Shackleford, grandchildren Madelynn Thibault, Sawyer Doherty, Londynn Bynum, Hadley Green, Aubrey Green, Autumn Merritt, Isabella Merritt, Remington Shackleford and Bree Shackleford, Aunt Connie Sue Lester, Aunt Beulah Coston, Brother-in-law Stan Shackleford, Sister-in-law Carol Shackleford (Tommy), Sister-in-law Candace Philyaw (Dave), 9 nieces and nephews, and several cousins he loved unconditionally.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Proctor Funeral Home.