Charles William Merry

Born October 10, 1946 in Paducah, Kentucky to Charles Morris and Florence S. (Amis) Merry, he married Victoria Elora Isbell on June 4, 1966 in Pekin. His wife of 55 years survives.

Also surviving are one son, Robert (Dalette) Merry of Lake Camelot; two daughters, Elaina (Steve) Cox of Low Point and Elora (James, III) Love of Havelock, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Marie C. Trimbl, LeAnne E. Merry, both of Lone Pine, California, Celine Lamierand of Mapleton, Stephen C. Cox of Nashville, Christa Lynn Cox of Germantown Hills and James C. Love, IV of Havelock, North Carolina; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Greg (Betty) Merry of Kingston Mines and two sisters, Wanda Klein of Peoria and Renee Farrow of Kingston Mines. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Coleen Merry of Mapleton and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James I. “Jim” Merry.

Charles served in the United States Navy on the submarine USS Pollack (SSN-603) during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1970.

He worked for CILCO for 30 years, retiring as a senior relief supervisor E.D. Edwards Station in 1999. In retirement, he worked for Peoria Mass Transit.

Charles loved watching movies in his favorite chair, star gazing, reading scripture and spending time with family. He loved his children and grandchildren.

He was a person whose search for knowledge was endless. He enjoyed building and flying model planes in the past.

Charles was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended services at the Pekin Ward.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pekin. Bishop David Dille will preside. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral at the church. Burial will be in Kingston Mines Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2104 South 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com