Charles "Chuck" Joseph Merkel, 59, of Wichita Falls, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, TX.  A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024.  A Rite of Committal Graveside Service will be held immediately thereafter at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wichita Falls, TX.

Chuck was born on September 5, 1964 in Morrison, IL to William "Bill" Merkel and Helen (Gauvin) Merkel. Chuck was the fourth child, and he would join his three older brothers, Matthew, Michael, and David.  He would soon thereafter be joined by his younger sister, Katherine.  Early in his life he and his family lived in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania.  In 1975, the family moved to Columbus, MS where he spent his Middle and High School years.

Throughout his childhood and High School years, Chuck and his three brothers were active in Football and Baseball, and he enjoyed playing Golf.  Although Chuck would play golf any time he could, he would play weekly with his entire family, including his sister and mother.  He enjoyed and was passionate about many sports, but Golf would ultimately be his favorite sport to both play and watch.  During High School, Chuck worked in maintenance and greenskeeping at the country club golf course.  In 1982, Chuck graduated from S.D. Lee High school in Columbus, MS.  In 1987, he graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.  His knowledge, hard work, ability, and personal charisma would lead him to find success in sales and business leadership, and he would find his niche in the transportation, freight, and distribution sector.  His career culminated with several years as a Major Account Executive at FedEx.

Chuck met Lorna "Lori" May Fox while they were working together at the Mesquite Branch in Wichita Falls.  Chuck married Lori in 1986, and they built a family together in the Wichita Falls area.  Chuck welcomed both a son and daughter, and he will be remembered for his unwaivering and unconditional love for and dedication to his family.

Chuck kept his passion for sports throughout his life and he was able to see the Dallas Cowboys win multiple super bowls, the Texas Longhorns win a national championship, his favorite golfer, Phil Mickelson, finally win the Masters, and the Texas Rangers win a World Series.  He enjoyed both watching and playing sports with his family and friends.  He was an ace on an outdoor grill, and he took pride in having a well maintained lawn and a clean and orderly home for his family.

Chuck remained close with his parents and siblings throughout his life.  This would lead his family to become and remain close with the families of his brothers and sister.  Because of this, his family members enjoy close and loving relationships with their Aunt's, Uncles, Cousins, and their families.  Many happy memories were made throughout Chuck's life during holidays and other family reunions.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" and Helen (Gauvin) Merkel, his Mother-in-Law Wanda Faye Fox, and brother-in-law Richard "Rick" Bell.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Lorna "Lori" Fox Merkel; children, Eric Merkel and Kristen Merkel Blassingame; his son-in-law Brad Blassingame; his brothers Matthew Merkel (Linda), Michael Merkel (Rebecca), David Merkel (Kathleen); his sister Katherine Merkel To (Sing); his sister-in-law Linda Pugh (Loye); and his grandchildren Blaze, Hayden, and Mayci.