Merle Edward Huston Jr.

September 29, 1939 – December 27, 2025

Merle E. “Ed” Huston Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 27, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. He was 86.

Ed was born on September 29, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas. From an early age, he showed a deep curiosity about the world, a love of learning, and a fascination with flight that would ultimately define his life.

A Life of Service and Aviation

Aviation was not just a career for Ed—it was his calling. After completing high school in 1957, Ed entered the United States Navy, earning his commission and wings through the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in June 1960. He went on to serve a distinguished Navy career spanning decades, marked by leadership, technical skill, and devotion to duty.

Ed’s first fleet assignment was with VP-1 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, where he served as an Administrative Officer and Patrol Plane Commander in the P2V, deploying three times to the Aleutian Islands. Over the years, he flew P-2Vs, P-3s, and a variety of other aircraft, serving in both operational and instructional roles.

In January 1964, Ed reported to VP-31 at NAS North Island as an instructor pilot and NATOPS check pilot in the SP-2H and SP-2E. He later served on the staff of Commander Patrol Wing Eleven in Jacksonville, Florida, and in 1969 returned to the fleet as Assistant CIC Officer aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), deploying to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam conflict.

Following his sea duty, Ed attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning a bachelor’s degree in international relations. He subsequently served in leadership roles at VP-1 in Hawaii, at the Human Resources Management Center in Pearl Harbor, and later attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

The Navy ultimately brought Ed back home to Corpus Christi, where he served as Commanding Officer of VT-31. After retiring from the Navy, he began a second career in corporate aviation, flying King Air 300s and Hawker 800s for CSW.

Faith, Service, and Community

A man of deep and abiding faith, Ed was an active and devoted member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. His faith guided his life, grounded his values, and was a source of comfort and strength to him and his family.

In retirement, Ed continued to give back through volunteer service. He generously donated his time to Mission of Mercy and the USS Lexington, where he delighted in sharing his knowledge of aviation and his passion for Navy history with visitors of all ages.

The Man Beyond the Uniform

While aviation defined Ed’s professional life, it was his character that defined him as a man.

He was an avid animal lover and rescuer, and his home was always filled with stray cats and dogs that he and Sharon welcomed and cared for without hesitation. He loved a good crossword puzzle, never missed Jeopardy!, and was famous among family and friends for smoking a truly exceptional brisket.

As a young man, Ed attended the American High School in Mexico City, where he became fluent in Spanish and met his lifelong friend, Joe Bustamante. The two were inseparable and often passed themselves off as brothers—a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Known affectionately in the Navy as “Foots,” a nickname earned thanks to his size 13 feet, Ed carried that same quiet humor and humility throughout his life.

He also loved classic two-seat sports cars, owning an MG-TC, an Austin-Healey, and his favorite—a 1973 Datsun 240Z.

One of Ed’s favorite quotes, from Ronald Reagan, reflects the way he lived his life:

“I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.”

Family

Ed was devoted to his family above all else. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Sharon; his daughter, Sherry Huston (Doug); his son, Ed Huston (Karen); and his cherished grandson, Andrew Huston (Kelsey).

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, love of learning, devotion to service, and enduring love for his family, his country, and the sky.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s name to your local animal rescue group.

The family would like to invite family and friends to the Memorial Service to be held at 2 pm., January 27th aboard the USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Christi TX.