Merrill Mankin Death, Fort Smith, Arkansas: Merrill Mankin, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, a teacher, and a well-respected high school coach, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Alumni & Friends member passed away unexpectedly. Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Alumni & Friends on a Facebook post shared the news of their coach’s demise, the association says he is a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. “RIP Merrill Mankin – Alumni & Friends Association member and longtime volunteer and supporter of the Boys & Girls Club.”
He is a longtime resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, he went to Northside High School, Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a former teacher at Fort Smith Public Schools and recently a teacher of Southside Senior High School. Taco Bell Tournament of Champions-Fort Smith in a Facebook post described him as a legendary coach who impacted in the lives of so many athletes around the Fort Smith community during his tenure. “We are heartbroken by the passing of the legendary Coach Merrill Mankin. Coach Mankin has impacted the lives of many athletes around the Fort Smith community during his tenure.”
Paige Baker a basketballer on a Facebook post shared her memory of how the coach had an impact on her basketball career. She also remembered how she wanted to quit in her grade 10th but he restored her confidence which led her to be the best athlete she could be. “So sad to hear Merrill Mankin passed away. He had such an impact on my basketball career. I can remember being in 10th grade ready to quit basketball. My confidence was shot, he took a chance on me and started me in a varsity game! After that, I became a starter ever since and I am forever grateful of the way he pushed me to be the best athlete I could be. RIP Coach, you will always hold a special place in my life.”
Merrill Mankin’s obituary and memorial service will be organized by the family.
Kevin Taylor @Kevin_Trains Tweeted how sad he is by the death of Coach Mankin.
Very saddened by the passing of Merrill Mankin. Coach Mankin never had a bad day. Enjoyed covering his Southside teams back in the early 2000s.
The Fort Smith area has had some legendary girls basketball coaches. The Mt. Rushmore of coaches would definitely include Merrill.
— Kevin Taylor (@Kevin_Trains) November 26, 2021