Charles E. Merritt Jr.
Charles E. Merritt Jr., 81,
passed away Aug. 12, 2008, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis
campus in Wichita. He had suffered injuries as a result of an automobile
accident that occurred on July 25, 2008. His vehicle was stopped behind two
other vehicles on U.S. Highway 50 at Hoover Road when he was struck by another
vehicle. He was returning to his home in Newton following a visit with his wife
at Halstead Health and Rehabilitation.
Charles was born Feb. 5,
1927, in Newton to Charles E. and Nellie Flossie Clark Merritt. He was one of eight
children.
He married Theda Mae McClure
on Oct. 1, 1943, in Oklahoma. Charles and Theda met while both worked for the
Fred Harvey House in the Santa Fe Depot in Newton. Charles was a baker and
Theda was a 'Harvey Girl.' They would have been married 65 years on Oct. 1,
2008. Theda preceded Charles in death on July 27, 2008.
Charles was employed with the
Santa Fe Railway beginning in 1942. He retired after more than 45 years of
service. He held various jobs with the Santa Fe. He was a mail clerk for a time,
making runs on mail trains between different towns in Kansas. He ended his
career with the railroad as a payroll clerk. He not only enjoyed his years with
the Santa Fe, but also enjoyed the many people that he met. He loved people and
never did meet a stranger!
Charles took leave from the
Santa Fe to join the U.S. Army in 1943. He was as proud of his service to his
country as he was of working on the Santa Fe! He was stationed at various
forts, including Fort Ord and Fort Rucker.
Upon his honorary discharge,
he continued working on the Santa Fe until his retirement in the late 1980s. He
was so proud of his years with the Santa Fe that the front bumper of his car
proudly displayed his 'Santa Fe Chief' plate. His attire for each day of his
retirement consisted of a cowboy type shirt, boots, jeans and a Santa Fe hat!
Charles was a member of the
Newton community his entire life. After retirement, he and his wife resided
several months of each year in Branson, Mo. He loved the life they made in
Branson. The friends they found in Branson became part of his family.
During the 20 some years that
Branson was a second home, Charles and Theda both worked at several of the
Branson theaters, including the Wayne Newton Theater and the Roy Clark Theater.
While in Branson, Charles was able to continue his passion for carving. He
carved at several carving shops while visiting with customers. His family will
cherish each carving that he lovingly created for them. He was a proud member
of the Woodcarvers of America.
Charles will be greatly
missed by his five children and spouses, Mike and Mary Ellen Merritt, Diane and
Dennis Tangeman, Steve and Christine Merritt, Chuck and Marcia Merritt, and
Cyndi and Wayland Saxton. His 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and
one great-great-grandchild will forever remember their 'special, one of a kind'
grandfather: Kim Merritt Stevenson, Todd Merritt, Jason Merritt, Jerod Merritt,
Jennifer Leonard, Kirsten Stevenson, Dustyn Stevenson, Jordyn Stevenson, Cason
Leonard, Denise Tangeman Lofts, Dean Tangeman, Ryan Lofts, Luke Lofts,
Christopher Merritt, Wesley Edwards, Jeff Merritt, Sarah Merritt, Samantha
Merritt, Madison Merritt, Matt Furhman, Caylee Furhman, Kaycee Saxton, Kaytee
Saxton and Ian Saxton. His 'adopted sons,' Bob 'Bomber' Sandoval and Randy
Lowrance, will always have a special place in the Merritt family.
It was Charles' wishes that a
private family graveside service be held at the Walton Community Cemetery.
Those services were officiated by the Rev. Judith May on Aug. 16. A full
military ceremony was led by Charles' grandson, Spc. Ian Saxton.
The family has requested
memorials, in lieu of other gifts to the family, be given to Walton United
Methodist Church, Hospice Care of Kansas, the American Cancer Society or the
Diabetes Association. Memorial contributions may be made in care of Baker
Funeral Home, 114 N. Sycamore Street, Peabody, KS 66866.
