Tributes

In Loving Memory of Merle Wayne Warrington and JoAnn Warrington It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Merle “Wayne“ Warrington, who departed this life on January 23, 2024, and JoAnn Warrington, who passed on April 18, 2025. Though they left this world at different times, they will be honored together in a joint service celebrating their enduring love and lives well-lived. Wayne was born on June 10, 1934 in Hammon, Oklahoma to Tom and Leona Warrington, and JoAnn was born on March 7, 1939 in Cannon, Texas to CP and Eva Neathery. They were married on June 25, 1955, sharing 68 years of life, laughter, and unwavering commitment to each other. Wayne is survived by his sister Fannie Elizabeth Willborn and is preceded in death by his twin brother, Earl Dwayne Warrington, and his sister Margie Nell May. JoAnn is survived by her sister Esther Hale and is preceded in death by her brother, Charles Neathery, and her sister Ione Marr. The couple are survived by their three daughters Vicky (Charles), Diana (Ralph), and Terri; five grandchildren Amanda (Mike), Courtney (Jaren), Crystal, Ralph, Jr. (Jessica), and Joseph (Brooke); and three great-grand children Vanessa, Kilah, and Emery. Together, Wayne and JoAnn built a warm and welcoming home filled with good food and a deep appreciation for family traditions. For many years, their home was the gathering place for celebrations of holidays and special events. Around their table, you would find full hearts, full bellies, and full smiles. Wayne was a 10 year veteran of the United States Air Force and served as a police officer for 30 years, 20 of which were spent at the McKinney Police Department. During his service, Wayne conducted himself with honor, integrity, and respect for the members of his community. His works left a lasting impression on many lives, and he received numerous letters of commendation - including some from people he had arrested. While working for the McKinney Police Department, Wayne received a Purple Heart, and he was awarded the Life Saving Bar for rescuing a 3-year old boy from a burning house. He also served as a Mason for several years and as a Shriner. Post retirement included traveling and gardening. He was always ready to go somewhere. JoAnn was the ultimate companion for Wayne, making and keeping a home for them and their three daughters. She had an entrepreneurial spirit, first as a real estate with her sister Ione and then as co-founder/owner of a family business for 15 years. JoAnn was a remarkable writer and used her artistic talents and creativity to run three shops on Etsy for many years well into her 80’s. She had a special bond with her sisters Esther and Ione and niece Anne Heitman, enjoying many hours spent talking over the phone. A joint visitation to honor both of their lives will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., at Scoggins Funeral Home, with internment to follow at Pilot Grove Cemetery in Whitewright with military honors for Wayne. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate their love, legacy, and the many lives they touched. Their love was a guiding light to all who knew them, and though they are no longer with us in person, their spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who loved them.

Tributes

Merle Wayne Warrington

June 10, 1934 - January 23, 2024