Mario Orlando Merjil, 76, passed peacefully at home in California City, CA with his wife and stepdaughter by his side.
Mario was born February 8, 1948, to Jose and Lucila Merjil in Pixley, CA. He attended Arvin High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He proudly served three years in the Marine Corps with one year overseas during the Vietnam War where he received numerous medals and badges including the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, National Defense Medal, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and Badge Rifle Sharpshooter. Basic SPL: Camp Pendleton, CA. MTRVEH Operator. MOS 3531. NCO Leadership school.
He was a Civil Service Employee at Edwards Air Force Base for 35 years where he retired as an electrician supervisor. Mario enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid golfer. He was kind, generous, and always willing to lend a hand to friends and family.
Mario was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Lucia, brother Carlos "Charlie," stepson Brad, and beloved dog Coco. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, stepdaughter Cynthia, and stepson, Justin. He is also survived by brothers, Jose Jr., Leopaldo, Gilbert, Eduardo, and Gustavo, as well as sister-in-law, Jeanette Merjil. He will be missed by seven grandchildren and one great- grandson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 18 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 20240930: Stage at Wood Family Funeral Service, 312 W F St, Tehachapi, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/actHfZPLWKLzztyB60940: Mission briefing.
0945: KSU for Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Rd, Arvin, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vxWXe3RkdyiKJAWt81015: ETA to Bakersfield National Cemetery.
1045: Flag line and military honors.
A celebration of life will be held following the service at 12:00 pm at the American Legion Post 476.
Jim “Pops” Davis
Tehachapi CA PGR Ride Captain
US Army 1964-70, Vietnam 1966-70
Army Ranger MOS 63B20-63C20
jdavisabajo514@yahoo.com
(661) 221-3120You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
