Charles R. Merris' Obituary
Charles R. Merris, age 78, of Waynesville, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Kettering Medical Center.
Charles was a graduate of Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, spending much of his service time stationed in Germany, where he specialized in nuclear weapons. In addition, he also served in the Army National Guard, where he flew drones pulling targets for military target practice over the Great Lakes. Upon returning home, he brought a parachute from one of the drones to his house. The parachute got caught in a wind gust and ended up knocking out some of the power in Waynesville. Following his military service, Charles dedicated over 20 years of hard work at the Sharpe Defense Depot, where he retired as a supervisor.
He enjoyed many simple pleasures in life. Charles loved the outdoors, especially tent camping with his wife, Kathy, and his son, Jason. He also enjoyed playing euchre and took great joy in teaching his family how to play cards. One of his favorite traditions was visiting Año Nuevo State Park with his wife, where they loved watching the elephant seals along the coast. He shared many trips to Reno while living in California with his brother-in-law, David Seig. He loved rooting on his favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers, with his son, Jason, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandkids. Charles also loved trying new restaurants and exploring different foods with his family. A proud Air Force veteran, he enjoyed visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he would share stories and memories from his time in service.
Charles was a strong man with an even stronger spirit and a heart of gold. As the eldest of eleven siblings, he carried a deep sense of responsibility and pride in his family throughout his life. He was known for his hardworking nature, his deep love for his family, and the pride he took in being a veteran.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Merris; his parents, Richard and Doris Merris; his sister, Doris Pino; and his brother, Carter Merris. He is survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Merris; his grandchildren, Emily Harding, Jaxson Merris, and Jorgia Merris; his brothers, Stan (Deb) Merris, Patrick (Lisa) Merris, Warren (Jean) Merris, Dennis (Karen) Merris, Richard (Kay) Merris Jr., Phillip Merris, and William Merris; and his sister, Jana Young.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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