Merle grew up in Hallettsville and graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1937. She attended Baylor University in 1937-1938 and then attended Houston Business College. Merle was the first Queen of the Lavaca Fiesta in 1941. Merle retired in 1983 from Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ and Associates in Houston as office manager. Merle and Jennings were married August 19, 1975 in Houston and moved back to Hallettsville in 1982. Merle joined the Hallettsville Garden Club and served for many years. She attended First United Methodist Church in Hallettsville.

Merle is survived by her husband, Jennings Whitman, one son Douglas Johnson, wife, Kathy, and their daughter Rachel of Austin, a brother Billy Barnes, wife Dorothy of North Carolina and their three children Rob, Russ, and Jean and grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents.

Service: 2 pm, Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 11 am, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Lundy Hooten. Pallbearers: Robert Kessler, Leon Barnes Jr., Claude Barnes, Wilbert Kristek, Randy Kristek, and Ryan Barnes. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.