Charles Edward Merritt, 88, of Pearland, Texas, went to be with the Lord on January 13,2025.  Born on February 8, 1936, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late John Tillman and Cecil Ilene Riddick Merritt.  He graduated from Stephens High School in Stephens, Arkansas. Charles joined the Air Force on June 1, 1960, stationed in Detroit, Michigan, and served as an aircraft mechanic and maintenance technician until May 30, 1964.  Charles retired from the Air Force and moved to Houston where he started a life long career in the Petrochemical Industry. He first went to work for Stauffer Chemical and later was hired at Hoechst Celanese Chemical Company which he retired from after thirty years. Charles was an amazing dominos player and won several trophies while playing in domino tournaments put on at Celanese Chemical Company. Charles pursued many interests and hobbies in the mechanical field.  If he needed a tool or device to complete a job that he did not have;  he would just design and make one.  We found many interesting homemade tools that he created and made in his tool shed.  He loved to spend time with his family whether working around the house fixing something or going on a vacation. Some of his greatest passions were deer hunting, fishing, riding his four wheeler, just doing anything outdoors. He taught all three of his sons to hunt and fish.  Later in life, he enjoyed  “word search puzzles”, fixing Christmas lights, eating nice meals and enjoying time with family. Charles had a great sense of humor with many of his famous one liners: “Doing the boogie woogie all night long”, “It’s real. It’s good, but it’s not real good”, many of which we’ll always remember.  He loved to sing, especially on birthdays and carried tunes of popular Hank Williams songs, yelling out  “wahoo” as the tune came to an end. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in 2009, and managed the disease well for many years, which could not rob him of his mechanical talents & abilities and sense of humor.  Though his battle with this horrific disease had declined significantly in the last few years, it could not take away his fun-loving spirit.  His endearing light-hearted personality was warm and contagious, and his one-liners seamlessly continued.  As music continued to bring him joy, he often spoke of fond childhood memories of singing with his older sister Ernestine. The two were often heard carrying a tune when together.  Known as ‘Buddy’ to his family and friends, a subtle prankster, Buddy was truly the life and light of a party!!  He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew, loved, and adored him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ilene Merritt, his sister and brother-in law Earnestine and Bob Westbrook, his brother and sister-in-law Billy Wayne and Delores Merritt.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Ann, his three sons  Keith Merritt, Gary Merritt and wife Thyda, David Merritt and wife Kimberly, his beloved granddaughters Megan and Tory Merritt, his brother Mike Merritt and numerous special nieces and nephews, and many loving relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. on Thursday January 23, 2025 At Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 E. Broadway St. Pearland,  TX 77581 with Pastor Mike Ceruantles officiating. Burial will follow at 2:15 P.M. At Houston National Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to New Hope Church – 108 W. Edgewood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546.