TACAMO Fallen Veteran - Charlie Merz VQ-4 Plankowner
Passed away peacefully on September 4, 2021
Paul Hoffman, former AT-2(NAC) VQ-4 TACAMO EC-130G/Q Crew 7 IFT 1975-78:
Hello TCVA,
Please add ADJ-1(NAC) Charlie Merz USN (Ret.) to the Fallen Shipmates list. I apologize for getting his obituary to the TCVA so late. I flew with "The Captain" on Crew 7 as an IFT from 1975 till he retired from the USN in 1977. He was the best Herky Bird Flight Engineer and a TACAMO VQ-4 Plankowner!
Farewell Charlie Merz - Enjoy your new Wings!
Charles Merz Belton - Charles William “Charlie” Merz, 84, widower of Sharon Lea Fryling Merz of Belton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at his home.
Born in Buffalo, NY he was a son of the late Carl and Ellen Andrzejewski Merz. He was thrice married, first to Vivienne May Moors, and then to the late Roxanne McCabe. He was retired from his work as a Supervisor Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic for Lockheed Martin. Mr. Merz proudly served in the US Navy, from which he was also retired, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was active in both the VFW and the American Legion. He was active in both the VFW and the American Legion. He was an avid model train collector and enjoyed watching NASCAR races with his late wife Sharon and friends.
Charlie is survived by four daughters: Michelle Merz Daisey of Laurel, DE, Kelli Whitten of Anderson, Holly King and husband Clyde of Lodi, WI, and Tina Roughton and husband Gary of Defiance, OH; one sister: Patricia Peppard; six grandchildren: Courtney Painter, Alex Dominguez, Brent Roughton, Christopher Dominguez, Gary Whitten and Justin Charles Whitten; 9 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and special friends. He also leaves behind his best buddy, Rambo.
He was preceded in death by one brother: Donald M. Holleufer; and two sisters: Margaret Limburg and Patricia Larby.
The family is eternally grateful for Charlie's angel, Samantha Mayorga and for Open Arms Hospice staff, Bethany, Alana, Elaine, Donna, Joe, Matt, Sheila, and Dr. Patrick Carey for their wonderful care and support.
Memorial services were held on October 8 at M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veteran's Cemetery with Rev. Joe Farry officiating.
