Curtis R. Merrill, of Midland, is finally at rest with the LORD. He passed to the Heavenlies Thursday January 15th, 2009 at his parents home. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 in a private service. To us he was someone special, someone set apart, his memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts. Curtis was one of the kindest and most gentle men and had a big heart. In 1980 he graduated from Odessa High. Curtis was a member of the National Honor Society, Attended Boys State as a representative of Odessa High Academics. He lettered all four years in Golf and was the Team Captain his Senior year. He attended Odessa College on a Golf Scholarship for two years and then attended Texas Tech. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy shortly before his mental illness was diagnosed. Curtis was a valued employee of Paul Graves, his Brother's Father-in-law, at All Seasons Cleaners in Midland. He is survived by his Father and Mother, Bill and Laurie Merrill of Midland, his Brother and Sister-in Law, Mike and wife Paula Merrill of Odessa, his Mother and Stepfather Lou Ann Warren and Jerry of Dallas, his half brother, Nick Talbot of Cincinnati, Ohio, his Grandparents Lyle and Mary Hoff and his Aunt Merry Lee Martin all of El Paso, Uncle Tim Hoff and wife Cyndy of Arizona, Uncle Ronnie Merrill and Aunt Carolyn of New Mexico, Uncle Tom Merrill of Longview, Aunt Sue and Uncle Oscar Power of Lubbock, Nancy Graves of Odessa, Paul Graves of Arkansas, Nephew Blake Merrill of Odessa, Nieces Heather Merrill of Brownwood, Danae Grayson and Danielle Wilburn and husband JaQuay all of Odessa. Great Niece Jaidyn Wilburn and Great Nephew Davin Rios of Odessa. Along with many other Friends and Family that loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Chapter of the National Association of Mental Health (NAMI.org) Local Chapter Schizophrenia Foundation, 1204 Lawson, Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,