Charles B Merkel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles B Merkel, 92 of Sykesville MD. He died at home, peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2023. That day ended an exceptionally long, full, life, well lived.

He was born in Ludlow Massachusetts on December 11,1930 to the late John and Marion (Knapp) Merkel. Chuck moved to Pennsylvania at a young age, where he graduated from Whitehall High School and attended Penn State for a short time before joining the USAF. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne (Strasser), son Steven, and sister Faith Gelinas of Springfield MA. Sisters-in-law Mary Strasser, Lois Jones, Mary Guenthner, brother-in-law Richard (Bonnie) Strasser. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by son Paul Charles Merkel and brothers-in-law Thomas Strasser, Dwayne Guenthner, and Albert Gelinas.

Chuck was a retired CMSGT, spending 26 years in the USAF. He and his family traveled the world on his assignments with the Military Assistance Advisory Group. He came to Maryland to work for Westinghouse after his Air Force retirement and a 2-year advisory contract with the Iranian Air Force.

He was a lover of the outdoors, skiing, hiking and walking and helped start a Volkssport club called the Piedmont Pacers in Westminster MD. He was a volunteer at the BWI airport for over 35 years at the Travelers Aid booth, giving advice to weary travelers. He was a member of the American Legion Sykesville Memorial Post 223 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 467.

Chuck was a member of the Calvary UMC of Gamber, MD for over 45 years serving on committees and he enjoyed transporting the hand bells around to different churches and malls where they were played by the choir members, and he often did videos of their performances.

Chuck donated his body to science thinking perhaps something could be learned that might be valuable in medical education and research.

A graveside service for Chuck will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Elmwood Cemetery with Pastor Fletcher Larson officiating. Military honors will follow.