Eric Grant Merka

Eric Merka, 46, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle & friend to all, passed away on Monday, June 27 ^th in Elgin, TX.

Eric was born on November 14, 1975 in Austin, TX to Shirley McKamie & William “Willie” Merka. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1995 and went on to play football at Cisco Junior College where he met the love of his life, Cynthia. Eric & Cynthia married on July 20, 1996. They then welcomed the lights of Eric’s life – his two sons, Grant and Blake. From the moment they were born Eric was their biggest supporter and the proudest of fathers. He loved coaching their little league teams and following them through their athletic careers. He was their number one fan, and they were the center of his world. In April of 2022 Grant and his wife, Allison, welcomed their first son, and Eric became a Pops to Calvin Bogue Merka. Eric adored his grandson and looked forward to his daily Calvin photos that Allison would send him. His family was his top priority, and he would travel, no matter the distance, to attend important moments & events in his family’s lives.

Everyone that knew Eric knew him for his larger-than-life personality, his big bear hugs, and his incredible ability to make anyone & everyone laugh. He was the quintessential small-town boy with a love for Elgin and his community. He was a beloved voice of Elgin Friday Night Lights in the fall and was so passionate about Wildcat Football.

Eric is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Cynthia, father, Willie Merka, and grandparents, Calvin & Stella Grant.

Eric is survived by his sons, Grant Merka and wife, Allison, and Blake Merka; grandson, Calvin Merka; parents, Shirley & John McKamie; brother, Steve Merka and wife, Carol; sister, Tami Bond and husband, Duane; mother and father-in-law, Truman and Janie Miller; brother-in-law, Tony Miller and wife, Stella; sister-in-law, Melinda Griffin and husband, Biff; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and other family members.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Elgin. Interment will follow at Siloah Cemetery in McDade.