Charles F. Merry, 88, Topeka , passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Brewster Place .
Charles was born November 26, 1920 in St. Louis , MO , the son of George F. and Jane (Linn) Merry.
He graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City , MO , the Worchester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester , MA , and had an Honorary Degree in Optical Science from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis , TN.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he served as a First Lieutenant in the Medical Administrative Corps.
He was in the Optical Business since 1938. He worked 33 years for American Optical in Southbridge , MA . as the Distributions Operations Manager. He retired in 1986 as the Vice President of Duffins Optical.
He was a volunteer at Stormont-Vail, the American Red Cross and Brewster Place . He was a member of First Congregational Church.
Charles married Jeanne Ketchum on June 20, 1942 in Kansas City , KS . She died October 19, 2008 . Survivors include grandson, Sterling Spoul, Topeka ; daughter, Ginny Hanson, Arlington , TX ; grandchildren, Christopher Crawford and Wendi Oliver, Arlington , TX ; sister, Maudie Harrington, Overland Park ; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Susan Linn Sproul in 1984 and three infant grandchildren.
Mr. Merry was cremated. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009 at First Congregational Church in Topeka .
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka , Kansas 66604 .
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.