Merril Stott

Merril Lee Stott was born on August 20, 1928, in Burt, IA, to Wyot and Elsie (Ringsdorf) Stott. Surrounded by his loving family, he died at home on June 22, 2018. When Merril was a sophomore in high school, he moved with his family to Lebanon, MO. There he met his lifelong love, Mildred Wagoner, beginning to court her as he worked at a soda fountain. In 1946, Merril graduated high school and enlisted in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1948, and he married Mildred on Aug. 8 that year. He then enrolled in Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Mo, and graduated in February 1952 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. During his engineering and management career, Merril worked for Phillips Petroleum, Midwest Carbide, Stauffer Chemical Company, and Airgas. He retired as President of Airgas Corp. in 1993. He was then on the Airgas Board of Directors until 1998. Besides being active professionally, Merril did much to help his community. He was President of the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce and was Chairman of Salvation Army, Utility Board, and United Way. He helped start The Pryor Ministries Center and was involved in The Free Medical Clinic of Mayes County. At First Christian Church, he was also deacon, elder, and chairman of the Church Board. He also taught Sunday School at First United Methodist Church. Though a practical man, Merril very much valued education. Even after he retired, he led Management Training Seminars for Airgas employees. He and Mildred donated money to OSU for scholarships, and he also served on the Stott - Thedford Family Foundation Board, which gives scholarships. He was Chairman of the Library Board, the School Board and on the Board of the Northeast VoTech. Merril was honored to receive the following awards: Citizen of the year (Pryor, 1973); Good Samaritan (Pryor, 2002); Sertoma "Service to Mankind" (1980;2004).

Merril was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, George; his older brother, Capt. Floyd Stott; his sisters, Iola Lorrance and Darleen Beardsley; his infant daughter, Catherine Ann; his son - in-law, Dr. Tom Thedford; his mother-in-law and friend Anna Mae Wagoner; and a host of friends and in -law relatives who adopted him. He is survived by his wife, Mildred, of the home; Daughter, Laura Stott Bell and Morgan Bell of Broken Arrow and their children, Amanda Bell and Ahmed "Ziz" Makaty, and Alex Bell; Daughter, Libby Ellen Stott of Stillwater, her step -daughter Miriam and Bobby Boydston and her grandchildren, Alexis Furtado and Baxter Boydston; Son, Edwin "Drew" Stott and Sherry Crupper Stott of Pryor and their children Heather and Dalton Trout and Courtney Stott. He also leaves behind special nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Those wishing to donate in Merril's honor should send their gifts to Salvation Army, Pryor, or to Pryor Ministries Center (15 SW 3rd Street, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361)

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