Rev. Mervin Scott

Rev. Mervin Scott, age 83, of Carthage, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 12, 2026, in Carthage. Karl Mervin Scott was born on March 27, 1943, in Carthage, Texas, to the late Lacy Aubrey and Katie Mae Sistrunk Scott. He graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1961 and continued his education at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, Panola College in Carthage, Centenary College in Shreveport, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana University), and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

At a young age, Mervin answered God’s call to ministry and faithfully served as a Methodist minister and circuit rider throughout his entire adult life until his retirement. Over the course of 54 years in ministry, he devoted himself to sharing the Gospel, shepherding congregations, and serving communities across East Texas and Louisiana. His ministry included service at numerous Methodist churches and circuits, including Crossroads, Louisiana; Little Creek in Union, Louisiana; Hardwick in Longview; White Oak, where he served as founding pastor; the Hopewell/Bettie Circuit; and the Deadwood/Galloway Circuit.

Mervin was united in marriage to Linda Joy Smith on December 18, 1971, at the Wesley Foundation at Stephen F. Austin State University. She preceded him in death on January 27, 2009. He later married Vivian Ann Gjerstad on July 24, 2011, at Deadwood Methodist Church, and she preceded him in death on April 18, 2024. In addition to his wives and parents, Mervin was preceded in death by his brothers, Don Scott, Orville Scott, and Lane Scott; and his sisters, Shirley Williams, Mary Powell, and Wanda Gray.

Mervin is survived by numerous family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the First Methodist Church in Carthage with Rev. Kevin Otto officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Deadwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday at the church prior to the funeral service.

Pallbearers include Levi Scott, Victor Solis, Mark Scott, Darrell Steadman, Roger Hohlt, Scott Williams, Daniel Anderson, and Ezra Anderson.

Honorary Pallbearers include Steve Scott, James Scott, John Scott, Paul Scott, Brad Scott, Jay Petty, Michael Steadman, Phil Powell, and Gene Edward Smith.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.