Calvin "Cal" Coolidge Merritt, Jr. of Farmersville, TX, born December 28, 1948, passed away October 20, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Coolidge Merritt, Sr. and Geraldine Leatherwood Merritt; and brother Jerry Wayne Merritt. Cal is survived by his wife, Janet Krause Merritt of Farmersville, Texas, daughters, Charlye Ann Merritt of Farmersville, Sammey Merritt Mitchell and husband, Alan of Huntersville, NC; granddaughters, Haley Jane Hoy, Carson Merritt Mitchell, Avery Hope Mitchell; sister-in-law, Carol Merritt; nephews Jerry Wayne Merritt and Luke Merritt; two aunts, one uncle and numerous cousins. Cal was born in Ozona, Texas and grew up in Beeville, Texas. He lived 42 years in North Texas; including Dallas, McKinney and Farmersville. Cal owned and operated Merritt Mitchell Advertising in Dallas before he became interested in renovating historical properties and developing real estate. Cal moved to McKinney in 1980, where he owned Cal Merritt Partnerships. During his time in McKinney, he successfully renovated The Ritz Theater, Burton Place (Warden & Aston Law Office), The Mallow Building (The Pantry Restaurant), The McKinney Dry Goods Building, and The Pope Family Building. He became a board member for the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of McKinney’s “Main Street Program”. Cal was awarded the “Award of Excellence” in 1985 and 1986 for his efforts in revitalizing downtown McKinney. In 1985, Cal purchased a home and land on highway 380 in Farmersville. Cal designed, developed and operated Leatherwood Ranch Golf Course. Leatherwood was a testament to his life’s work; the development, improvement and beautification of real property. Cal was a member of the National Parks and Recreation Association, Texas Turf Grass Association, Farmersville Rotary Club and former member of the Farmersville Planning and Zoning Commission. Cal worked in most all segments of the real estate business, including residential, commercial, farm and ranch, and investment / development land. His ambition of improving property was fulfilled vicariously, by working in real estate and helping others to buy & sell or acquire, plan and develop properties. Cal Merritt Realty, a family owned and operated real estate company, will continue to follow his vision. Cal was a hardworking, thorough and decent man who loved his family and made difference in every community he touched. A visitation will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., and Friday, October 24, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home in Camp Wood, Texas. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Barksdale Baptist Church in Barksdale, Texas. Interment will follow in Camp Wood Cemetery, Camp Wood, Texas. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Vista Care Hospice or American Cancer Association.