Merrill (known as Boo Boo by close friends and relatives) was born in Bison, KS, on February 8th, 1934, to Frank Matal and Elsie Muth Matal. Over the course of five years, the Matals moved to Salt Fork, Kremlin, and in 1939 they settled in what would be Merrill's forever hometown, Billings, OK.

In 1952, Merrill graduated from Billings High School, a proud Bulldog. After graduation in 1953, he volunteered for the Army with his good friend, Jon Webb. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon discharge, Merrill worked with his dad at Franks Repair Shop in Billings. In 1969 he went to work at Rush Metals, where he found his niche in life, and his career took off. During his time at Rush Metals he worked in many different positions, starting as a set-up person and retiring as a Director of Sales & Engineering in 2000.

Merrill was a part of the American Legion Association for 24 years. In addition to his many services, he also volunteered for the Billings Fire Department for 20 years and was honored with a plaque.

Some of Merrill's favorite hobbies were traveling, fishing, and cooking. He made the best Thanksgiving dinners, providing plenty of food for everyone with leftovers for the next few weeks. Merrill was happiest when he knew everyone was well-fed.

Merill enjoyed family vacations to Colorado and California. One of his favorite adventures was going to Columbia and floating down the Amazon River. Merrill thoroughly enjoyed growing up with his many siblings and wanted to have the same for his own family. He married Linda Hess from Billings, and to this union three children were born. He later married Edyth Betchan-Cunningham, who brought three more children to their marriage. Together, Merrill and Edyth Matal shared a 7th child.

Merrill is survived by his wife, Edyth; children, Trudy Sabihy, Doug Matal (Cindy), Conte Matal (Kristi), Michelle Caine, Jim Cunningham, Shawn Cunningham, and Tina Matal; grandchildren, Kyle Sabihy (Nong), Chris Cunningham, Damon Matal, Caden Van Buskirk (Melanie), Alli Van Buskirk (Zachary Miller), Tyler Matal, Haleigh Cunningham, Thomas Belk, and Alexis Richards; great-grandchildren, Jack Sabihy, RaeLynn Van Buskirk, Vivienne Van Buskirk, Oakleigh Cunningham, Aliyah Sabihy, and Hallie Van Buskirk. He is also survived by his sister, Ethel Enfield; many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his dog, Sadie.

Merrill is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elsie Matal; his siblings, Harold Matal, Geraldine (Toots) Ingmire, Virginia (Girly) Matal, and infant, Janet Matal; his best friend, Roy Cain; and his dog, Daisy.

There will be no service at this time as requested by Merrill; however, a celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.