Merle Eugene Ollom

Merle Eugene Ollom died Thursday, December 7, 2023 in Gonzales.  He was born on June 11, 1928 to Henry Leroy Ollom and Neva Ray Rickard Ollom in Burt, Iowa.

Merle was a graduate of the Burt High School Class of 1934.    After graduation, Merle migrated to San Antonio where he began honing his skills for his career in commercial art.  He worked as a cartoonist for the San Antonio Light, in the advertising department for the San Antonio Express News, and as the art director for Motorola’s advertising department.  He also had his own design school, publishing company, and graphics company.

He taught commercial art at Incarnate Word College, Trinity University as well as San Antonio Community College.  He was an accomplished cartographer, artist, and engraver.

He married Lynna Jean Carter in 1952 and remained married for 50 years until her death in 2002.  The couple had three children, Mark Eugene Ollom, Callise Monet Ollom, and Kristi Linn Ollom.  Following his wife’s death, he married Jean Zappe Reese on July 2, 2005 and they were married for close to 20 years until his recent death. 

   Merle was the President of Artist Design of San Antonio, a member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Board of Governors of the Methodist Church and a member of the Men of Art Guild of San Antonio.  In San Antonio, he was a member of the Harlandale Methodist Church.  While in Gonzales, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Gonzales, Texas. 

Merle was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Wayne, and sister Bernadine, and his first wife, Lynna,  He is survived by his second wife, Jean, son, Mark,  daughter, Callise and her husband Frank “Buz” Roach, and daughter, Kristi and her husband Harvey “Buz” Hull, step-daughter, Kasey Reese Floyd, and step-son Noel Henry Reese and his wife Kerry Anne Reese as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Gonzales Presbyterian Church.

Memorials can be made to the Presbyterian Discovery Center or the charity of your choice.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales.